Children from P4 at Beith Primary School, took part in what turned out to be a very moving service of remembrance held on November 11 in the grounds of Beith Auld Kirk at the Cross, writes Julie Crook, press secretary Garnock Valley Family History Group (GVFHG).

During the service the children read out all the names of the 174 men remembered on the main Beith War memorial for World War 1.

The children also helped to plant 174 wooden crosses in a small garden mount at the front of the Auld Kirk.

The class teachers who kindly assisted with this event were Mrs A Kennedy and Mrs S Shepherd and their thoughtful assistance was greatly appreciated.

The wood for the 174 crosses was provided by David Mackie who also cut them all out for us.

Allan Richardson drilled a hole in each piece of wood and they were assembled by GVFHG members Mair Christie and Cath Macdonald.

Cath also made all the poppies, so thanks to all of them for their contribution and efforts for this very special celebration.

Special thanks must also go to:  Robert Jamieson who played the Last Post prior to the two minutes silence and afterwards played Reveille; Harry Ellis (bagpipes) who played the Flowers o’ the Forest; Donald L Reid read the Robert S Service war poem, Young Fellow my Lad and parish minister, Rev R Macdonald led prayers and the service of remembrance.

Garnock Valley Family History Group is very grateful to everyone who helped make it such a moving event.

The large group of locals were spellbound as 174 individual crosses were laid by the children.

This was quite sobering, reminding everyone of the real cost of war.

We hope that a similar event will be held next year and a special thank you must go to all the children at Beith PS and their teachers for their exemplary conduct throughout.

Garnock Valley Family History Group continues on their research journey trying to uncover more details of all men and women in the Garnock Valley who served in the Great War and World War 2.

If you think you might be able to assist in any way, please do drop in to Beith Townhouse and speak to any of the welcoming volunteers.

It is hoped soon to include a full list of the men of Beith who died in the Great War.