The sun shone on Rushden Town as we commemorated Lieutenant Colonel Reverend Bernard Vann VC, who was born and brought up in Rushden and who was killed on 3^rd October 1918, just weeks before the end of the first world war.

We met at Rushden War Memorial for a service and the unveiling of a new commemorative paving stone by his grandsons Michael and James Vann.

There was a grand parade led by the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band and the Mercian Regiment’s Mascot, Private Derby 32^nd, a fine Swaledale Ram.

When everyone had gathered, and there was a large crowd, the Paving Stone was unveiled, prayers were said and wreaths laid.

After the formal proceedings everyone was invited to hall Park where there were refreshments and performances by the Band and Northampton Male Voice Choir. There was also an exhibition in Rushden Museum on the life of Bernard Vann, his medals group and sale of the book ‘The Christian Soldier’ by Charles Beresford who was there to sign copies.

It was a lovely afternoon and a fitting tribute to one of Rushden’s finest.