30 Nov Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day was commemorated Sun, 12 Nov 2023 by the laying of 2 wreaths at St. Boniface memorial in our beautiful grounds at St. Boniface. The first wreath was laid by Deputy Mayor Christine Marsh (see below with Father Anil, Parish Priest and Pam Pemberton, Chair of The PPC) on behalf of parishioners. The second wreath was laid by Nicolette Tibbles, leader of the Okehampton section of The Catholic Women’s League (CWL).
The CWL connection goes back to the beginning of WW1 when an appeal was made for a Catholic recreation hut for the Forces in Boulogne. By the end of 1918 the League had 35 huts, not only in England but on the war fronts in Europe as well, all staffed by League members. They were outstanding in that, though they provided meals, the Forces’ spiritual needs were also catered for. Holy Mass was celebrated on Sundays, some huts having permanent altars. The friendly and Christian atmosphere was appreciated by British, Belgian, French and Canadian troops and Chaplains returning to their own countries were instrumental in urging the founding of the League there.
By the end of 1945, no less than 180 canteens and huts were operating simultaneously at home and abroad.
As one of the approved philanthropic bodies, the CWL had to work on an undenominational basis and provide welfare amenities for all who might come to the clubs.
