Amidst the gentle hum of Keston, the Keston War Memorial stands as a poignant sentinel. It silently speaks volumes about sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance. This Portland stone monument, with its cruciform top and bronze wreath, isn’t just a structure; it’s a living testament to the human cost of conflict. Keston War Memorial was unveiled and dedicated on March 10, 1920, in a ceremony graced by General Sir A. Lynden-Bell and local dignitaries including Rev. M. Parker Shipman. The inscription “TO THE GLORIOUS DEAD 1914 – 1919” followed by the names of the fallen, and then “THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE,” speaks to the enduring legacy of those who served in the First World War. A later addition, “IN MEMORIAM 1939 – 1945,” along with more names, extends the memorial’s embrace to those lost in the Second World War. Interestingly, Keston War Memorial also commemorates civilian casualties of the Second World War, a testament to the indiscriminate nature of modern warfare. The memorial lists 30 names from the First World War, 9 from the Second, and 14 civilian casualties. The names include individuals like Gordon Wright Anderson, Howden Owen Arthur, and Henry Benjamin Beal, each a story untold yet etched in stone. Situated near Fishponds Road and opposite Keston windmill, the memorial is easily accessible. It stands as a stark reminder of the impact of war on this peaceful community. The Keston War Memorial is more than just names on stone. It’s a place where history breathes, where memories are preserved, and where the echoes of wartime sacrifices continue to resonate.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service