A CHAIN of funeral directors gave a salute to the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War with a bit of healthy competition this month.

Beverley Lodge, a Director of Lodge Brothers, brought some 40 branches of the company together and charged each office with creating their own war-time window display. Aside from this, Beverley and her fellow directors have also donated to Woking Royal Air Forces Association as well as Help the Heroes. Proud Beverley explained: “We have been amazed by how well the staff embraced this. Every one of our 40 businesses produced a fantastic window.”

This can be said especially for funeral arranger Annie Mackender’s window in West Byfleet, which contained sand bags, field equipment such as helmets and belts, and a bright red poppy. Annie was voted runner-up by a panel of judges that included Chairman of Woking RAFA, Bill Moore, and Tony Boxall, who is RAFA Secretary.

They were invited to visit six shortlisted windows last Thursday along with Beverley, who said: “These two gentleman are absolutely fascinating and unbelievably knowledgeable on just about anything to do with wars around the world. Bill was able to roll off dates without any problem, his wit and memory were fantastic.

“Bill and Tony asked to pass on their appreciation to the winners for the wonderful effort they all made – they were taken aback with some of the artefacts they had managed to acquire.” Beverley admits she was also over-awed by the quality of the creations and enthusiasm received from the public.

She added: “We have been inundated with comments, and I know that local people have added to the displays with their own special artefacts. Lodge Brothers have given generously to Woking RAFA and also to Help The Heroes.”

Displays are still available for viewing until the end of August.