Ampthill Armistice100

'Ampthill Armistice100' was a community project to remember how the Great War affected Ampthill, whilst also providing a focus for learning and reflection. Building on 'Tommy’s Footprints' (2016), the project ran from July 2018, leading up to a programme of events in November 2018 which ties in with the national tribute of 'Battle’s Over'. Three hundred and seventeen men from Ampthill are named on the Roll of Honour, whilst sixty seven did not return. Seven are buried with Commonwealth War Grave Commission headstones in St Andrew's Churchyard. The Town Council led preparations to mark this centenary event, which saw a World War One era Living History encampment situated in Ampthill Great Park on the 12th and 13th October. Large reusable poppies were installed on lamp posts along the main roads leading to Ampthill Town Square in November, whilst local people and business were invited to hang and fly flags on Remembrance Sunday. A full-scale copy of the Ampthill Roll of Honour was installed outside Ampthill Fireplaces. 'Tommy's Footprints' and crosses to the sixty seven fallen soldiers were also installed the weekend beforehand. Talks about the Armistice were given in local schools, alongside other illustrated talks and guided walks in the area. On Remembrance Sunday, a parade concluded with the ringing of muffled bells and a service held at St Andrew's Church. A beacon was lit in Ampthill Great Park that evening, followed by the peel of bells at the Church at 19:05. The whole initiative was enabled through funding from a grant from Ampthill Town Council, local business sponsorship of the lamp post poppies, a Waitrose Community Grant and a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant. Key project outputs included new research on the Roll of Honour (which was additionally added to the IWM Register of War Memorials), the V.A.D. Hospital and the No. 9. Ampthill Command Depot, as well as engaging local schools and community groups in raising awareness of Ampthill's contribution to the conflict.