Oxhey Jets vs Northwood Headquarters
Remembrance Day Match
Proceeds to the British Legion Poppy Fund
Ceremony Report and Photos:
Jets put on a fantastic act of remembrance poppy match v Northwood HQ Tri-Services, and it was a record-breaker in all ways.
A record-breaking 477 headcount in the ground for the ceremony to pay tribute to our fallen Heros and, of course, our own Pte Tom Lake of the PWRR.
In a Moving ceremony, the players and wreath layers were piped onto the pitch area to a lament under the watchful eye of an RAF master of ceremonies with the magnificent Union Flag presented by the Coldstream Guards and escorted by RAF Cadets. Jets were joined by representatives of councils, FA and League officials, and this year, for the first time, we had South West Hertfordshire’s MP Gagan Mohindra and Watford FC represented by Luther Blissett OBE.
A special wreath was laid by Fred Weaving’s Grandson, Tom Culverhouse, following the passing of the great football man this year, who was also a retired Royal Marine.
A promise to Fred was kept with the Royal Navy taking the salute this year CPO Jack Senior.
The last post was superbly executed by Four Buglers from the Northwood HQ led magnificently by Royal Marines leader Jack Senior.
The head wreath was laid by Tom’s mother Carol, and a personal Jets wreath to Tom the footballer, laid by Player of the Year Lewis Lavin to queue the magnificent buglers sounding of the last post.
Garry Beadles memorial trophy was handed into the care of this year’s guests, the Royal Navy, for the photo call.
We always say the winner is the poppy tin, so the trophy is engraved with the guests, not the winners or score, and special credit to Northwood HQ, who lost a number of their players to active service with the world situation this week, who still came along with a patch up side fearing the worst to honour the fallen and the commitment to the event.
The storms passed, and the weather cleared, but the goals rained in with debutant James Barnett opening his account along with Archie James, Andre Lopes, Nugs, Danny Fowler, Owen Ayres, Avto and Sam Hamerton.
Archie James was man of the match with six goals, three from the penalty spot.
We are grateful for the sporting Northwood HQ team who exchanged gifts to mark the visit during post-match hospitality, although the full amount won’t be known until after remembrance Weekend as the poppy tins are still in use, the gate alone took around £1000, which goes to the Royal British Legion.
The world situation may have caused chaos for the football, but the event was the best ever, and Tom’s memory and all fallen heroes were marked with utmost respect.
Video of Jets 2023 Remembrance Ceremony
First set of Match Photos below. More to follow.
Extended Ceremony & Presentation Photos including social media: –
