Rattlesden, near Stowmarket, to host second Sparke, Sparkes, Sparks family reunion – this time with military theme in honour of 80th anniversary of D-Day

A second Sparke, Sparkes and Sparks family reunion is taking place in Rattlesden following the ‘resounding success’ of the first event.

Last summer, more than 100 people attended the inaugural get-together of people of the Sparks, Sparke, Sparkes family at Rattlesden Pavilion, near Stowmarket.

At the time, Halifax man Stuart Riding, of the Sparke, Sparkes, Sparks Family Research Group, said: “The organisers and I are just left reeling from the high of it – where do we go from here and how do we beat that?”

Now the family research group will be returning to Rattlesden Pavilion on August 24, from 12pm, for another family reunion.

This commemorative event will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and will have a military theme with research material relating to wars family members were involved with.

These include the Anglo-Spanish War, Anglo Indian Wars, Crimean War, Boer Wars and World War One and World War Two.

It is hoped family member Jill Gladwell, from Stowmarket, who has recently been recognised for her dedication and devotion to supporting the Royal British Legion with an MBE, will attend as special guest.

Mr Riding said: “Following the resounding success of its inaugural family reunion in 2023 and at the request of many of the group’s members the Sparke, Sparkes & Sparks Family Research Group will be returning to the sleepy settlement of Rattlesden.”

The event organisers are inviting people who may be a family member, a friend or member of the local community to come join them on the day and share their stories and pictures and learn about the family.

They are working collaboratively with residents from Rattlesden and surrounding villages, local businesses, history groups, schools and churches, gathering photographs, historic maps and documents to ensure the day is both informative and socially interactive. There will be food and drink available.

Donations to be made to the Royal British Legion.

For more information on the event or the research group contact Mr Riding on stuartriding68@hotmail.com or join the Facebook group.