The Nottingham & Nottinghamshire

Victoria Cross

Committee

Registered Charity in England & Wales No 1144298

 

 

 

 

 

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 our committee chairman, when it was pointed out to Mr Graham that the Borough of Rushcliffe had connections with four Victoria Cross holders 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, consequently Mr. Graham encouraged the respective parishes to honour these four men.

All four parishes have now recognised their individual Victoria Cross holders, with the final plaque to Harry Churchill Beet VC being unveiled on Saturday 29^th Jan 2012 at St Marys Church Bingham.

 

Initially Bingham Town council were going to undertake the project, but with all of their other commitments they asked the N&NVCC if they would assist with the project, and naturally they agreed to, accordingly the N&NVCC began with a meeting with the reverend David Harper. The idea of the plaque was discussed in detail, with the reverend David Harper setting out what the required parameters would be for the plaque, i.e. a hand carved oak plaque of the dimensions as set out by him.  The committee absolutely agreed with his requirements and so set to work by approaching the project from 3 angles, the first being a presentation to the dioceses, the location of a wood carver who could deliver the required standard of plaque. The third aspect had already been covered off as Bingham Town Council had already put the financing of this project in place.

At a subsequent meeting the committee reported to the reverend Harper that they had located a wood carver who could match the requirements, they had also put together a presentation, which could be submitted to the dioceses for consideration.

After careful consideration the dioceses granted permission for the plaque to be erected in St. Marys Church Bingham. Another meeting then took place with reverend Harper and members of the N&NVCC where a date was set for the Service of Dedication.

The date of Sunday 29^th January 2012 was selected, and so the preparations began, the replica medals were ordered,

 

as was the oak plaque, the Order of Service was discussed, with reverend Harper, setting out the draft order of service, invites were sent out to various dignitaries and people who had supported the committee in its endeavours over the years, that said notices went up around Bingham informing the public that all were welcome.

The church ladies had agreed to help our committee by organising the after service refreshments in Church House, for which we were most grateful. We were also happy to have the local ATC from Newton join us. The committee were also delighted to hear that the Rt.Rev. 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, i.e. Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nott’s County Council, Councillor 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 with the church officials and choir, the reverend David Harper opened the proceedings, with the first hymn “God is our strength”

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

Councillor Maureen Stockwood the Mayor of Bingham, who said a few words about the origins of how this endeavour for a plaque to Harry Beet VC began.

Patrick Mercer then followed by giving a speech on the history of the Derbyshire Regt. The antecedent of the Sherwood Foresters, and gave more historical information on the Sherwood Foresters.

The Chairman of the N&NVCC Tony Higton then gave a brief history of Harry Churchill Beet VC

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

 

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

 

As the service came to a close, the procession formed up with the Rt. Rev. Toy Porter, Rev. David Harper, the choir and the standards along with the other church officials parading out of the church. And it was at this juncture that the congregation came forward to look at the plaque and to take their photos.

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 helping us making this a day to remember, but more especially, Reverend David Harper, Councillor Maureen Stockwood, The Bishop of Sherwood Rt. Rev. Tony Porter. And the Church ladies