A unique, multi-faith Remembrance Day Service will take place at the War Graves Section of Botley Cemetery, North Hinksey Lane, on Sunday 9th November, with the community warmly invited to attend.
Organised by Botley & North Hinksey Parish Council, the 60-minute ceremony is set within one of the country’s largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries, a serene space that becomes the focus for Oxford’s act of remembrance each year. Up to 500 local people and guests are expected.
According to the event notice, gates open at 10:30am and the service will run 10:45–11:45am. Those unable to attend in person can follow along on Radio Cherwell.
What to expect
- Multi-faith service. Celebrants from the Anglican, Jewish, Baptist, Lutheran and Islamic faiths will lead prayers and readings.
- Address & guided tour. The address will be given by Dick Richards, a CWGC-approved guide who will offer a short tour of the cemetery after the service for anyone interested.
- Two minutes’ silence and wreath-laying at the Stone of Remembrance, followed by an open invitation for anyone to place personal tributes.
- Parade of flags by local uniformed youth organisations.
- Invited guests include representatives of Commonwealth High Commissions and European embassies, local government dignitaries, service personnel from Dalton Barracks, Officer Cadets and children’s uniformed groups.
After the service
- Refreshments: Botley Women’s Institute will serve coffee and homemade biscuits at the WI Hall opposite the cemetery.
- Parking: Available in the car parks behind the WI Hall.
- Poppy Appeal: Poppies and remembrance crosses will be available to purchase for laying on graves, with a collection in support of the Royal British Legion.
If you go
- Where: War Graves Section, Botley Cemetery, North Hinksey Lane, Oxford, OX2 0LX.
- When: Sunday 9 November, gates 10:30am; service 10:45–11:45am.
- Broadcast: Live on Radio Cherwell.
- All welcome. Please arrive in good time and dress for the weather; you are welcome to bring your own tribute to lay after the ceremony.
This annual gathering offers a moment of quiet reflection and shared gratitude in a place that speaks powerfully of service and sacrifice.
What is Remembrance Sunday?
Remembrance Sunday is the UK’s national day of reflection for those who have died in wars and conflicts. It takes place on the second Sunday of November, close to Armistice Day (11th November), the date in 1918 when the guns fell silent to end the First World War.
What it marks
- Remembrance of all service personnel and civilians who have lost their lives in conflicts from WWI to the present day, across the UK and the Commonwealth.
- Two-minute silence at 11am, observed nationwide, symbolising the moment the 1918 Armistice came into force.
- Poppies are worn as a symbol of remembrance and hope, inspired by the poppies that grew on the battlefields of the Western Front.
How people take part
- Attend local services and wreath-laying ceremonies (like the Botley Cemetery service).
- Observe the 11am two-minute silence wherever you are.
- Wear a poppy and consider supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
- Reflect on the words of the Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
