At Hurst’s Remembrance Sunday the village’s Cubs and Beavers helped mark the contribution of animals which have died in conflict.
The young people went to the St Nicholas Church parish room to hear Rosemary Wilkins talk about horses, dogs and pigeons which supported war efforts, particularly in the First World War.
Many creatures were killed during the fighting.
Hurst Hookers crochet and knitting group had made woollen purple poppies for the children to make into a wreath. Purple poppies are now used to commemorate animals which served in conflicts.
Churchwarden Sue Payne said: “Our traditional remembrance service was very well attended. We were joined by Winnersh branch of the Royal British Legion and Hurst’s Scouts, Cubs and Beavers.
“The Scouts read out the names of Hurst people who are remembered on the war memorial in the church grounds.”
After communion, the congregation sang the national anthem and then processed to the war memorial, with representatives from the Royal British Legion, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers bearing their flags.
A bugler played The Last Post and Reveille and wreaths were laid by groups including the church, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, the parish council and the Royal British Legion.
Parishioners and the church’s children and families worker Phillippa Middleton had made a poppy display which cascaded from the altar.
