A DAY and an occasion the village will never forget...that was the overwhelming response to the moving and ceremonial rededication of Bream's impressively refurbished war memorial.
The village's Cenotaph Restoration Committee had raised £20,000 to safeguard the memorial for future generations and marked the occasion with dignity and pride on Friday.
An impressive display of marching by a battalion of soldiers from the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment along with the regiment's band, Royal British Legion standard bearers, Bream band, sea and air cadets, Brownies and village school children paved the way for the rededication which was attended by many leading county officials, including the Lord Lt, Henry Elwes.
Afterwards there was entertainment before a fireworks display. The evening ended with the floodlighting of the cenotaph and the Last Post played by Regiment buglers.
The ceremony was attended by over 1,000 people.
Ian Hendy described the evening as a massive success.
"I am sure it will be an event many people will recall for the rest of their lives. It was a very special occasion which marked a superb effort by everyone to raise the money for the repairs and Friday evening's impressive rededication really put the top hat on it," said Mr Hendy.