Remembering in Runnymede (From Your Local Guardian)

Remembering in Runnymede

9:20pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in Staines

The weather seems to have picked up recently, and with the clocks going forward at the end of the month, it seems like spring will soon be upon us; so why not take a walk? As a student in Egham, I sometimes get to take some walks around Egham hill. This is an area rich in history, and for some, strong emotion – but how many of us are really aware of what we have? The memorials in the area are stunning – the air forces memorial is an intensely emotional place, and the quiet John F Kennedy memorial is enchanting and sombre. However, how many people take the time to remember them, to take a walk around the scenic meadows?

Egham has a rich amount of history and stunning beauty just beneath the surface. Taking a walk up the hill rewards you with some truly spectacular views over Surrey and into London; the view from the air forces memorial is breathtaking, but at the same time so powerful – this is a memorial, after all, and despite the quiet and the views, it is a very emotional place to visit, containing the names of hundreds of British and Commonwealth servicemen and women. This is what helps to make the memorial so special – the views and the beauty of the structure, but also the purpose of the monument. So, go on, explore – draw your own conclusions about the memorials, pay your respects and enjoy yourself at these often forgotten gems.