Remember Me?

Remembrance Sunday this year saw the launch of a new portfolio called Remember Me? Cliff Billingham (19 when I copped it).

It is a compilation of World War One research material originally displayed in the church which attracted the interest of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to the area.

This portfolio is the brain child of, er, Stuart Brayne (sorry about the pun), former church warden of St Michaels, and now living in Australia. Stuart was intrigued about the names on the Shefford War Memorial, and contacted the history department at Samuel Whitbread Community college, asking if any students could do some research on the list of soldiers. The project is more fully described in Stuart’s Foreward to the book.

Researchers Mary Topley, Rachael Albon, Michael Smart and Katrina Cooper took on the work and became fascinated with “our men”, as Rachael describes them. Although the researchers have long since graduated and are dispersed in jobs or universities, they are still interested in this project. Their message (also included in the book) shows their continuing fascination in these people of Shefford.

The album is by no means finished. There is a plastic pocket for each name, and any information from the community would be appreciated. You are welcome to look at it during opening hours in the church. Stuart’s dream was that a Shefford historical society could be formed. Perhaps this, with the many involved in recording living memories, plus all the good research done in past years, will be the nucleus of such a group.

Source: Judy Robinson, PCC minutes secretary

Date: 11th November 2008

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