A memorial beacon to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War has been erected in a west Suffolk village.
Long Melford will light the beacon on November 11 as the village remembers the sacrifice of millions of men and women who lost their lives in the war.
The village will join more than 1,000 towns and villages across the country lighting beacons on November 11 as part of Battle’s Over – a nationwide series of events to mark the end of the war.
The parish council decided to enter Long Melford into the Battle’s Over project as a permanent reminder of all the men and women from the village who made the ultimate sacrifice.
John Nunn, Babergh district and parish councillor, said: “Last year someone mentioned to me that there was an online project to have memorial beacons around the country to mark the end of the First World War.
“I had a look and then took the idea to the parish council, who then supported the project through funding.
“Quotes were sought for the construction of the iron work and local tradesman Robert Clubb, of Suffolk Fabrications, was commissioned to make the steel fire basket for the beacon.
“After talks with the Hyde family, a site for the memorial beacon was agreed on the top green.”
Rev Matthew Lawson is arranging a service on November 11 to be held at the beacon and the Long Melford Silver Band will provide the music, with one of their members sounding the Last Post.
The memorial beacon will be lit at 7pm, and the Holy Trinity Church bells will be rung following the lighting.
Mr Nunn added: “We are grateful for the help received from Collet Piling of Sudbury, Matt Gregory Transport of Cockfield, and Hyde Parker Farms, also Rob and Chris Clubb of Suffolk Fabrications.
“I think it’s a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives.”
For more information about Battle’s Over, visit the website here.
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