A COMMUNITY event marked the 100th anniversary of the most traumatic episode in the history of Beachley.

On September 14 1917 more than 100 people were evacuated from the peninsula to make way for the construction of a massive shipyard.

The event on Sunday, organised by the Tidenham Historical Group and 1 Rifles, was prompted by the publication of a book by group members Carol and Richard Clammer on the events of September 1917 and the industrial development that followed.

The day included the display of the original Beachley steam locomotives, the launch of Mr and Mrs Clammer’s book, buglers and the Fijian community choir of 1 Rifles, displays by local groups including the Severn Area Rescue Association, the Severn Princess Restoration Group and the Chepstow Coastguard. Tidenham Church arranged games for the children.

Sales of the book, Beachley and the First World War: The Story of a Shipyard, a Railway and the Transformation of a Rural Parish were brisk.

Mr Clammer said: “The day has been very well supported and we are particularly grateful to Bill Parker of the Flour Mill in Bream for bringing one of the original Beachley engines and to 1 Rifles for their help in making the day possible.”

Chairman of the Tidenham Historical Group, Keith Underwood, said Mr and Mrs Clammer had worked “tirelessly and with incredible energy” on the book.

He said: “I was brought up with the Apprentices’ School, or college as it became, but it was the Army Technical School (Boys) when my father, a Royal Engineer, brought me and my mother here in 1937.

“When, sadly, the army finally leaves Beachley (in 2027), a new era will open and new generations will see the peninsula develop in a new light.

“I hope its history and heritage will not evaporate in an increasingly materialistic age.

“My thanks and those of all the members of Tidenham Historical Group, are due to Carol and Richard Clammer who have worked tirelessly and with incredible energy to ensure the publication of this magnificent book and for the organisation of this event.

“Thanks are also due to Liz McBride, Coral Blandford and other members of the group who helped make the day a success and thanks, too, to the officers, NCOs and men of the Rifles who made the event possible.”