Duchess of Cornwall helps village mark special anniversary

SEEND played host to HRH The Duchess of Cornwall last week, who visited the village to take part in a special celebration. 

The Duchess of Cornwall joined villagers to mark the 100th anniversary of the Seend War Memorial, which was originally dedicated on 8th February 1921. 

For the rededication celebrations on Thursday 2nd December, the Duchess, who is patron of the War Memorials Trust, took part in a short service at the Holy Cross Church, during which the names of soldiers from the village that fell during the First and Second World Wars were read out. The Duchess was then invited to lay a bouquet of flowers at the War Memorial.  

During her visit the Duchess also met a number of local dignitaries, pupils from Seend CofE Primary School, children from Seend Play Group, and three residents of Seend who are descendants of soldiers named on the War Memorial who fell in the First World War. 

Hosting the Duchess during her visit was chairman of Seend Royal British Legion, Robin Heatley. “We were very lucky to be visited by Her Royal Highness,” said Robin speaking to Melksham News. “I had written to her a year ago, inviting her to the service, which was my wife Anita’s idea. And it was originally intended to be held on the actual date of the 100th anniversary, 8th February, but we went into lockdown and it had to be postponed. 

“It was a most successful day, and such a special occasion for the village. The Duchess was very fond of the little ones from Seend Play Group who were waving flags and wearing handmade crowns. She spoke to some of them and admired the little crowns that they had made. 

“It was a great privilege to have Her Royal Highness join us for the rededication, we are only a small branch of the Royal British Legion, we only have around 65 members.” 

It was also a special day for local schoolchildren from Seend CofE Primary School who were invited to be members of the crowd waiting outside to greet the Duchess. 10 year old students, Lily King and Florence Crossman, were given the honour of presenting a posy of flowers to the Duchess.  

Principal of Seend CofE Primary School, Candida Hutchinson said, “As a school, we were delighted to be asked to take part in such an important historic event. It was a proud moment for our children as they lined either side of the entrance of the gates waving flags, and for both Lily and Florence, one I am sure they will remember for many years to come.” 

A commemorative engraved stone has been installed at the base of the War Memorial to mark the occasion of the Duchess of Cornwall’s visit. It says, “This stone marks the Rededication of the Seend War Memorial in its 100th anniversary year in the presence of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. 2 December 2021.”