Plans revealed for town's WW1 centenary commemorations - The Rugby Observer

Plans revealed for town's WW1 centenary commemorations

Rugby Editorial 16th Jul, 2014 Updated: 27th Oct, 2016   0

THE centenary of the First World War will be marked by a series of events including a commemorative parade.

Rugby’s salute to the 100 year milestone will start with a civic service at St Andrew’s church at 3pm on Sunday, August 3.

The following night the town will take part in the national lights out act of remembrance when lights will be switched off for one hour at the Whitehall war memorial, William Webb Ellis statue, town hall, and art gallery and museum, leaving just a single light shining at each location.

Then, on Tuesday August 5, the town centre will host a parade re-enacting the moment enthusiastic young recruits signed-up and marched off to war 100 years ago.




This will be followed by a reflective open-air service in Caldecott Park.

The day will start with an opportunity for families and individuals to experience a first world war enlisting station at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, getting their own recruitment pack including an armband and replica Gospel of St John, donated by Rugby Revive.


The recruits will be given their first wage packet consisting of a complimentary town centre voucher before being put through a medical with a WW1 nurse and then rudimentary drills and training led by re-enactors, while art activities will also be available.

Participants will then parade through the town centre to Caldecott Park for an open-air service led by Revered Imogen Nay, Rector of St Andrew’s, which will also include a ceremony marking the centenary of the bandstand itself.

At the conclusion of the service activities will continue in the park, including demonstration of a replica World War One tank, military displays, and arts projects.

Coun Heather Timms, the council’s culture spokeswoman, said: “History has recorded the First World War as a horrific event, but 100 years ago, in August 1914, communities were looking forward to going to war.

“I am sure families in Rugby will want to join us in marking this occasion, and will also want to remember their relatives’ sacrifices.

“It is important we commemorate events such as these, and I’m sure our communities will come together to mark the occasion as generations have before us.”

To register for the re-enactment and parade log onto rugby.gov.uk/WW1 or at the visitor centre on 01788 533217.

– Rugby Art Gallery and Museum has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Grant of £6,200 to run a WW1 project call Fall in.

The project will focus on local troops, training and the impact of the War in Rugby at a range of research, events, talks and workshops.

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