The parade marches down Godstone Road towards The Square. Photo by Jon Harrison, www.localeventphotos.co.uk

On Sunday 12th April, representatives from the armed forces, local uniformed groups, members of the public and a number of dignatories turned out in force to commemorate the Centenary of the historic WWI Recruitment March that took place on Wednesday 14th April 1915.

The event started with a model aircraft flying display in White Knobs Recreation Ground in Godstone Road, Caterham Valley at 1.30pm.

By 2.30pm the parade had assembled in the Recreation Ground ready to march into the town centre, led by the 1st Cinque Ports Corps of Drums. After halting briefly by the old Drill Hall, the parade proceeded to the Asprey Fountain where the salute was taken, then on to the United Reformed Church in Harestone Valley Road. Crowds of onlookers packed the town centre to witness the spectacle and cheer as the parade marched by.

The march was co-ordinated by Andy Parr MBE of the Organising Committee which also included Andrew Ayling, Billy Baynham, Ken Bolton, Bob Evans, Gwyneth Fookes, Roger Packham and Jan Ward.

Tony Nash, stationed in the middle of the roundabout, provided the commentary for the proceedings.

Once everyone was assembled outside the United Reformed Church, Roger Packham of the Bourne Society welcomed everyone and thanked them for supporting the event, followed by speeches by other dignatories and a minute’s silence.

During her speech, Mary Saaler, the President of the Bourne Society, paid special tribute to Gwyneth Fookes of the Organising Committee, without whose vision and determination the event would not have happened.

Following the speeches, those assembled gathered inside the church for refreshments and to view an exhibition.