Plans underway for 1066 march through Battle

Plans for the schools event, as part of Concorde 1066 programme, are taking shape in the form of wooden shields, produced by local joinery company Howard Brothers.

The original idea was to involve a small group of children but Tina Greene, who is co-ordinating this part of Concorde 1066, said: “This will be a once in a lifetime event so we want to give as many children as possible the chance to be involved.

“This has required working closely with local schools and, with their help, we hope that as many as 600 children might take part.

“Armed with their shields and dressed in multi-coloured tabards they will gather in the grounds of Battle Abbey before leaving through the great gatehouse led by re-enactors dressed as William and Harold.

“At the head of the procession we hope to have a military band who will lead the parade along the High Street to the roundabout and back to the Abbey.

“Together with their families and friends the children will then be able to enjoy refreshments and entertainment in the Memorial Hall.

“The event has captured the interest of local schools and a variety of other organisations who have made grants and donations as well as generous sponsorship by local businesses.”

Simon Alexander, chairman of Concorde 1066, paid tribute to Tina’s energy and tenacity in putting the children’s parade together and acknowledged the support being provided by the English Heritage staff at Battle Abbey.

He said: “With so many other elements of the day’s commemoration to organise it has been a great relief to be able to leave this challengingtask in her capable hands.

“Together with an international lunch, a church service, band parade, and an evening reception for local community groups, the schools parade will provide something which will ensure that 14 October 2016 is a day which will be long remembered.”

The handbook produced to accompany the Concorde 1066 event is now on sale at numerous outlets in Battle High Street and the surrounding villages.

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