The New Memorial Bench

A new bench outside St Mary's Church entrance was inaugurated on 26th August.  The bench was donated by John Ward in memory of his grandfather, John Clarke, who was killed in World War 1.

Mr Ward gave a short background talk about his grandfather to the group of people who attended the occasion.  John Clarke was killed at the Somme having twice been promoted on the day he died; this gives some insight into the horrors the soldiers faced.  

As John Clarke's wife had previously been killed in an accident on the Hawkedon / Rede border involving a traction engine transporting logs, his daughter was left an orphan.  She was brought up in Thetford, and was the mother of John Ward.

Many thanks to Judy Wilson for organising this occasion, and to those who helped with the provision of teas on the green.  And, of course, many thanks to Mr Ward for his kind generosity to the village in providing the memorial bench.