A church is under mounting pressure to restore military rolls of honour.

Relatives and congregation members and the local MP have called on St Barnabas, in Temple Road, Epsom, to bring back two scrolls deposited at Surrey History Centre almost 20 years ago.

Michael Rogerson, from Headley Grove, Tadworth, started worshipping at the church in 1959, was an active member until six years ago and remains "on the fringe" now.

Mr Rogerson said: "Like many other church members there, I have no recollection of these memorial scrolls whatsoever.

"I am reliably informed that the previous vicar, who settled in 1966, is saying these scrolls were not in place in his time.

"In 1996, I was on the church council at that time when this matter was apparently on the agenda but I still have no recollection."

He added: "My opinion is that this matter should be placed on the agenda of the St Barnabas' Church Council, put to the vote and see what democracy has to say.

"That will determine whether or not to put the scrolls on display in the Church. My own opinion is that this should happen."

The rolls of honour, which list war dead, and other archive documents were handed over to the Surrey History Centre in Woking during the 90s.

Epsom MP Chris Grayling said if there are rolls of honour gathering dust in an archive then a way should be found to put them on display.

Mr Grayling said: "I’m very keen we do everything we can locally to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and to make sure all the memorials in the area are in good condition.

"I’m keen to hear of any that need renovation."

St Barnabas vicar Rev Michael Preston last week said he did not believe the A3 sized documents had ever been on display and the names were on the town memorial at Ashley Road.

Reverend Sue Bull, from charity Love Me Love My Mind, based at St Barnabas, said the issue was discussed during the notices period on Sunday and the congregation would be asked their opinion on the matter in the new year.

She said: "We seek to be open and share with each other and find the best way forward to remember. Each year we remember very deeply."

 

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