The Nottingham & Nottinghamshire

Victoria Cross

Committee

 

 

Registered Charity in England & Wales No 1144298

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harry Churchill Beet VC

 

The idea of honouring Harry Churchill Beet VC, began some time ago following a meeting with Mr Allen Graham, the CEO of Rushcliffe Borough Council and Tony Higton, our Chairman. It was pointed out to Mr Graham that the Borough of Rushcliffe had connections with four Victoria Cross recipients within its boundaries. They were Francis Wheatley VC from Ruddington, William Raynor VC from Plumtree, Samuel Morley VC from Radcliffe on Trent, and Harry Churchill Beet VC from Bingham. Mr Graham subsequently encouraged the respective Parish Councils to honour these four brave men, if they had not already done so.

All four Councils have now recognised their individual Victoria Cross holders; the final plaque to Harry Churchill Beet VC being unveiled in St Mary’s Church Bingham, on Sunday, 29th January, 2012.

Initially, Bingham Town Council was going to undertake the project but, in view of all the other commitments of the Council, The N&NVCC was asked if it would assist. The Committee naturally agreed to help, and a preliminary meeting with the Reverend David Harper was arranged. The idea for a plaque was discussed in detail with Reverend Harper and the design parameters established, i.e. a hand carved oak plaque to specified dimensions and finish. The Committee agreed absolutely with these requirements and set to work by approaching the project from three angles. The first was a presentation to the Diocese; the second was the location of a wood carver with the ability to deliver to the standard of workmanship required and the third aspect, that of funding, had already been put in place by Bingham Town Council.

At a subsequent meeting, the Committee reported to Reverend Harper that a wood carver who could match the requirements had been identified and that a presentation, which could be submitted to the Diocese for consideration, had been put together.

After much careful deliberation, the Diocese granted permission for a plaque to be erected in St. Mary’s Church, Bingham. Another meeting then took place with Reverend Harper and members of the N&NVCC to establish a date and format for a Service of Dedication.

The date of Sunday, 29th January, 2012, was selected, and preparations began. The replica medals were ordered, as was the oak plaque, and the Order of Service was discussed. Reverend Harper set out a draft Order of Service, and invitations were sent out to various dignitaries and people who had supported the Committee in its endeavours over the years. In addition, notices were posted around Bingham to inform the public that all were welcome to attend the Service.

The Church Ladies agreed to help our Committee by organising after service refreshments in Church House. We were most grateful to them for doing this, and we were also delighted to have the local ATC from Newton join us. The Committee was also pleased to hear that The Rt. Reverend Tony Porter, The Bishop of Sherwood, would be dedicating the plaque.

Finally the big day arrived, a proud day for Bingham! Dignitaries started to arrive just after 2:30 pm and included Councillor Mrs Katherine Cutts the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Mrs Maureen Stockwood The Mayor of Bingham, Councillor Gordon Moore The Mayor of Rushcliffe, Councillor Brian Grocock one of our Patrons, Mr Neil Clarke Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council and, last but not least, Mr Patrick Mercer OBE., MP.

We were privileged to have the Newton ATC form a Guard of Honour at the church door.

The Service began at 3:00 pm sharp, with the British Legion and ATC Standards being paraded in, accompanied by a procession of church officials and the Choir. Reverend David Harper opened the proceedings by the announcement of the first hymn, “God is our strength.”

After the first hymn, Reverend Harper welcomed everyone to the Service of Dedication. This was followed by:-

Councillor Mrs Maureen Stockwood, The Mayor of Bingham, who explained the background details of the scheme to provide a memorial plaque to Harry Churchill Beet VC.

Patrick Mercer, who gave a short address about the history of both The Derbyshire Regiment, the antecedent of the Sherwood Foresters, and The Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

Tony Higton, Chairman of the N&NVCC, who gave a brief history about Harry Churchill Beet VC.

A reading from the Scriptures was then given by Councillor Mrs Maureen Stockwood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Order of service booklet in PDF Newsletter special issue download links for PDF

 

 

INSERT ORDER OF SERVICE.

As the Service came to a close, a procession formed with The Rt. Rev. Tony Porter, Rev. David Harper, the Choir and the Standard Bearers, along with other church officials, parading out of the church. It was at this juncture that the congregation came forward to look at the plaque and take photographs.

Most of the congregation then took the short walk to Church House, where the Church Ladies had provided much welcomed refreshments for everyone.

The N&NVCC would like to thank so many people for their help in making the day such a memorable one, with particular thanks to Reverend David Harper, Councillor Mrs Maureen Stockwood, The Rt. Reverend Tony Porter Bishop of Sherwood, and the Church Ladies.