RESIDENTS past and present gathered to celebrate 100 years of their village’s history on Saturday.

Enham Alamein was first created as a village centre to support injured service personnel returning from the First World War, and on February 19, 1919, land was officially given over for the village to become a rehabilitation centre.

Leslie Francis, parish council chairman, said: “We thought that we should recognise the first people who settled in the village. Children of those people are still here in the village, two or three generations still live here in the community, it is their roots and heritage.”

A memorial bench was unveiled by Doug Saunders and Molly Lowman, children of the first settlers.

“They thought it was absolutely marvellous, Doug had a number of his family attending as his children still live in the village and further extended family came. Molly was absolutely delighted, she went all round the exhibition.”

The memorial resembles those created for the anniversary of the end of the First World War, but it depicts the life of the village from nurses and ambulances to tractors and and military personnel.

“It [the bench] will be on the green next to the soldier for everybody to see,” Leslie said.

In the Landale Wilson Hall exhibits from yesteryear were on display which have been collated over the years, with around 300 people visiting the hall to learn about the village.

Saxon artifacts and television interviews from those connected with Enham also formed part of the exhibition.

A cake was specially made for the celebration, with Test Valley mayor Councillor Ian Carr and mayoress Beryl attending the event, along with village trustees - past and present.

Leslie added: “It was just brilliant, so amazing, I am so glad we did it, really quite emotional when we unveiled the bench and it came together.

“To see all those people recognise their heritage and recognise the value of the people who lived here, the difficulties they have overcome to bring up their families while still present in Enham, which is now supported by the trust.”

Music also played a part during the day with the Cover Girls singing songs from decades gone by.