Marking the 100th anniversary

Havering Council is supporting a campaign called “There But Not There” that will see large six foot high silhouettes of a British soldier from the First World War placed at locations across the UK to remind people of the enormous sacrifice made by servicemen and women in that conflict.

In Havering you will be able to see one of these "Tommy" silhouettes at many locations across the borough until the end of the year. A plaque will be placed alongside the silhouette explaining the campaign.

“Tommy” will be on display in Upminster Library from 1 until 9 October, then in Collier Row library from Wednesday 10 October before visiting other libraries and locations including the Time FM window in the Liberty Shopping Centre.

“Tommy” will also be present at the main Remembrance Sunday service in Coronation Gardens, Main Road, Romford on the morning of Sunday 11 November and later that day at a special event in Havering-atte-Bower. That evening a beacon will be lit on the Green in front of St John’s Church at the highest point in the borough as part of a national chain of more than 1,200 beacons called ‘Battle’s Over’ – a tribute to the millions who were lost or who participated in the war.

Commenting on the events planned the Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Damian White said:

“No one plays a greater role in keeping us safe than our Armed Forces and the striking and thought-provoking “Tommy” silhouette these services will give us a chance to remember and honour servicemen and women past and present.

“We should all be proud to stand as a community to mark this significant occasion highlighting the sacrifices our Armed Forces have made.”

These Remembrance Sunday parades and services will take place in Havering on 11 November:

Elm Park

The two minute silence will be observed at 11am in Maylands Avenue outside the Royal British Legion, followed by a parade to St. Nicholas Church where there will be a service.

Harold Hill

The two minute silence will be observed at 11am at the war memorial, followed by a service at St. George’s Church Centre.

Harold Wood

A short service will take place at 10:50am at Memorial Hall before a parade to St. Peter’s Church for a service.

Hornchurch

A parade commencing at 10:15am will make its way along Hornchurch High Street to St Andrews Church where a short outdoor service and wreath laying ceremony will take place.  This will be followed by a service in St. Andrew’s Church.

Rainham

There will be a parade from Rainham Working Mens’ Club at 10:30am, followed by a service at the war memorial.

Romford

A parade will start at 10:30am in Western Road, followed by a service at 10:55am in Coronation Gardens.

Upminster

A parade at 10:40am from the Royal British Legion will be followed by a short service at the war memorial in Corbets Tey Road.

For more information on Remembrance events taking place across Havering, and locations where “Tommy” can be seen, visit www.havering.gov.uk/Remembrance2018.