Mary Westley writes:
As the Autumn Ramble fell on Remembrance Sunday, the 100th anniversary of the WW1 Armistice , our walk was framed by an exploration of the WW1 war memorials in St Margaret’s and St Peter’s. These all have a story to tell and Ian Lowry guided us through the ones in Mapledurham, and before setting off through the sunshine for our walk we paused in the churchyard (with its newly opened–up vista of the church) to hear him read a poem written during WW2 by a soldier from Mapledurham – made extra poignant by the tolling of the bells.
Our walk through the woods was glorious with the trees looking their best in glorious orange and yellow tints, and as we gazed over the surrounding sheep-filled fields I think we were all struck by the tragedy of loss of so many young lives.
Upon our arrival at St Peter’s we took our tea whilst discovering the many memorials (many of them tucked away) under the guidance of churchwarden, Nigel Smith. Certainly for me the familiar sights I see in the church week by week have now taken on new significance as I ponder on their origin.
Did you know there is a memorial plaque hidden behind the Lady Chapel altar?
Click on the images to see larger versions.
St Peter’s Occasional Rambles And Dawdles In the Countryside