THE weekend of September 7, 8 and 9 saw Trebullett Methodist Chapel’s commemoration of the three centenaries in 2018 — the end of WWI, the formation of the RAF and the Representation of the Peoples Act, which gave women the vote for the first time.

A very busy afternoon was spent on Wednesday, September 5, setting up the chapel with all the memorabilia that was loaned. Thanks were expressed to all who contributed items and Lawrence House Museum who were generous with the number of items they supplied, which really helped the team illustrate the centenaries they were commemorating.

The chapel was filled with memorabilia, all of which was interesting and showed the links to families in the village today of those who were in the armed services during WWI, in the RFC or RAF at its formation or connected with the fight for women’s rights.

On the Friday evening in the chapel people were entertained by Old Time Music Hall. Sheila and Richard Burt were comperes, introducing comic turns from Debbie Deacon Green and Neil Burden — no one will forget Neil’s wonderful hat or Debbie’s calves in a hurry.

Although there wasn’t a large audience to enjoy the evening, those who did said they thoroughly enjoyed singing all the old songs, finishing with ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. They then adjourned to the hall where supper had been provided.

On Saturday the chapel was open all day for people to see the exhibition and there was a steady stream of visitors throughout. Comments show that everyone found the exhibition both interesting and informative and stimulated reminiscences and discussion. There were several videos being shown in a loop which emphasised the hardships of the war, the events that led to the formation of the RAF and the efforts of the Suffragettes that were successful in 1918. The trench biscuits made by Jane Honey were of great interest too — these were biscuits that were given to men in the front line trenches in France and Belgium. Janet found the recipe online and made some for the exhibition. Several people have since enquired for the recipe, so that must have been tasty!

There was also a book of remembrance available for people to write the names of those they would like to remember and these names were included in people’s prayers on Sunday.

The weekend finished with a special service on Sunday, September 9, led by Rev Jo Smart, the theme being ‘Peace in our Community’.

Three students were welcomed from The Queen’s Foundation and took part in the service with readings and poems — great to see young people entering the ministry.

It was an excellent and memorable weekend for all involved in its arrangements and its visitors.