Havering’s ‘Lest We Forget’ Remembrance Exhibition

A special ‘Remembrance’ two-day exhibition to remember the sacrifice of those who served in the British Armed Services through the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts since, will be taking place over the weekend of 9th/10th November at the Essex Wildlife Ingrebourne Valley Visitors Centre at the Hornchurch Country Park, Essex RM12 6TS.

The exhibition will feature uniforms, photographs and memorabilia from all periods, especially the First World War, which commemorates the 110th Anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict this year.

Also in attendance will be Mr Peter Van de Assem who will be raising funds for the Royal British Legion with various Poppy items available to the public. The local Elm Park No. 1838 Air Training Squadron will be on hand on the Saturday to raise further awareness of this significant annual event.

Essex historian Paul Hunt will be in attendance to talk to visitors and explain his extensive collection of wartime relics and the personal stories behind them. Kim Smith will be telling of women’s role in the various services including the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, the Auxiliary Transport Service and Nursing. Other historical groups will also be attending including the ‘Spitfire and the Blenheim Societies’ on the Saturday only. Military vehicles will be on display outside the centre on the Sunday.

A Two- Minutes silence will be observed on Sunday at 11.00 am followed by a wreath laying outside the Visitors Centre for those of the public who wish to do so!

The event has been organised by local historian husband and wife Richard and Kim Smith.

Richard who has been writing and publishing military themed books over the last 24-years, especially covering the history of RAF Hornchurch and the Battle of Britain stated

‘It is always important to continue to remember those who came before us and gave their lives in the defence of this country and allow our democracy and freedom to continue, although the world today is far from a safe place to live in. One can only hope that in the future countries will learn that war is no solution.’

The exhibition is open from 10.00 – 4.00 pm on Saturday and 10.00 – 3.30 Sunday.

Admission is £2.00 Adult – Children Free

A percentage will be given to the Essex Wildlife Trust

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