Sevenoaks community unites to remember those who served

Published: 14 November 2025

On Sunday 9th November, the Sevenoaks community joined together for a poignant Service of Remembrance on the Vine to honour all those who have defended our freedoms.

Over 1,000 people gathered at the Vine. One attendee described the service as ‘wonderfully moving’, while another called it ‘a lovely tribute and great coming together’.

Uniformed groups paraded to the Vine War Memorial including from Sevenoaks Sea Cadets, Air and Army Cadets, Sevenoaks Guides and Scout Council.

The service was led by Revd Canon Angus MacLeay, with Fr Piotr from St Thomas Church delivering a reading, and Sgt Engelbrecht reciting The Exhortation and Kohima Prayer. Music for the service was performed by the talented Eynsford Concert Band, while the Last Post was played by a Sea Cadet before the two-minute silence was observed.

The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Tony Clayton, laid the first wreath, followed by HM Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, The Lord Colgrain DL, and Laura Trott MBE MP, then by more than 35 organisations and associations, each paying their respects.

Leading up to the event, Sevenoaks Town Council asked volunteers to knit poppies, which are now displayed around the Vine Gardens. Special thanks go to all those who took the time to knit these poppies including Seal Postbox Toppers, Library Knit & Natter, Knitters of Rockdale, Nicola Buckner, Sue Bradshaw, Pat Smith and Adele Crump.

On Tuesday 11th November, the Town Council also held an Armistice Day Service at Greatness Park Cemetery. The Mayor of Sevenoaks laid crosses on the war graves and Fr Robin Jones from St John the Baptist Church led prayers in remembrance of the fallen.

The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Tony Clayton, said, ‘This year, both our Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day Services had the best turnouts I’ve seen, so that is very encouraging. Thank you to all those who helped organise the events, and to the community for coming together.’