A gathering of remembrance for Armistice Day takes place each year at the War Memorial at 11am on 11th November. The gathering is open to all and the Council, local schools, community groups and other organisations lay wreaths and observe the two minute silence at 11am.
If you would like to take part in the ceremony by laying a wreath at the War Memorial, please email matthew.filmore@woodley.gov.uk. Wreaths can be purchased from the Royal British Legion (link), and should be ordered before the end of the third week in October to ensure delivery before Armistice Day.
World War I Centenary Panels
Panels detailing local soldiers who fought in World War I have also been added to Woodley Memorial Recreation Ground. Reading East MP Matt Rodda visited the Panels and War Memorial to pay his respects.
You can download a PDF of the panels to view them online.
Memorial Gates
Memorial Gates adorn the entrance to Woodford Park on Headley Road. In 2018, the gates were updated to reflect the Centenary of World War I with a few additional extras.
2023
2022
2021
2020
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we were unable to host an event in 2020, however a Virtual Armistice Day Memorial was held, which you can re-watch on the Council’s YouTube channel.
Mike Hutchinson and Clare Mooney laid a special wreath at the Woodley Memorial in 2020, to honour Colin Lott who passed away earlier this year. Colin had headed the committee which raised money to enable the Portland limestone monument to be installed in 2014.
“It was good to see all the people here and they all kept to social distancing,” said Mrs Mooney.
2018
100 years since the end of World War I
Over two thousand local residents gathered at Woodley Memorial Recreation Ground on Sunday 11 November 2018, to commemorate 100 years since the end of WWI and to remember those who have fallen. Woodley Town Council and St John the Evangelist Church led a commemoration service and were joined by Woodley Army and Air Cadets and the 5th Woodley Scouts, who all marched to the Memorial across Woodford Park.
The Exhortation to the Fallen was read by a member of the Army Cadets, while the Kohima Epitaph was read by Town Councillor Brian Franklin. The Rolls of Honour of both World Wars were read by St John’s parishioner David Crane, followed by a prayer led by Rev Eddie Márquez-Picón, of St John’s. The laying of wreaths was led by Woodley Town Mayor, Councillor Sam Rahmouni.
Following the commemoration, tea, coffee and cake was served in the Oakwood Centre by Woodley Central WI, with cakes donated by the team, Addington School and Richard Lloyd Funeral Services. Music, poetry and footage from WWI, as well as a display of WWI images provided by Museum of Berkshire Aviation was also available at the Centre, alongside work from local schools and local Girl Guides. Woodley Flower Club donated beautiful flower displays, while Woodley Carnival Committee provided additional support.
The Council has been delighted to receive very positive feedback about the day and would like to extend its thanks to all those who attended and contributed.
You can view footage of the our Centenary event on the Council’s YouTube channel. You can also download free photos of the Centenary (link), supplied by official photographer Nick Martin.
