Portsmouth Church hosts WW1-themed Remembrance street party

A WYMERING church hosted a unique event to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

St Peter and Paul’s Church held a respectful remembrance on the eve of Armistice Day.

The ticketed event at the church, on Medina Road, was focused around an indoor, WW1-themed, street party. The organisers got dressed up as famous people involved in the war, reading pieces of their autobiographies.

Throughout the evening, various members of the community stepped forward to give memorable accounts of the fallen, each in a creative and unique way, ranging from WW1 poetry readings, to a war veteran sharing one of his stories with the community.

The church walls were plastered with displays made up of pictures and medals, which provided an amazing tribute to the sacrifices made in the war.

Also the church itself was decorated beautifully by hand-knitted poppies.

Marion Avery, 69, from Wymering, attended the remembrance evening and said: ‘It’s been a very good event and there are some wonderful displays around.

‘I think it's absolutely important for us to remember and for the future generation to remember the men who fought in this war.’

Towards the end of the evening, a roll call of the names of people from the Wymering parish who died during both world wars was read out, followed by a two minute silence in remembrance of them.

Half of the profits raised from the event went towards the ‘Hire a Hero’ charity, which provides care and assistance to war veterans and their families.

Church warden, Lizz Peters, 56, from Paulsgrove, said: ‘ The charity helps ex-military into employment because that step is very important, as well as adjusting into civilian life.’

When speaking of the event, organiser, Lorraine Mitchell said: ‘It was an opportunity to bring the community of all ages together, not just to remember the sacrifices, but to celebrate the peace that was achieved.’

For more information on the event, and future events, contact Lorraine at: lorraine.mitchell@ntlworld.com