The parish church of St James stands near the green in Aston Abbotts. The
oldest parts are thirteenth century but most of it is Victorian. During the war
there were special military services attended by Czechoslovak soldiers stationed
near The Abbey.
In more recent years in 2005 and 2007 there have been special commemorative
services held for the local people and the Czechoslovak community.
In 2005 a short parade by veterans and a service for the 60th anniversary of the
end of the Second World War was featured on Czech television and on the BBC
Radio World Service - Czech Section.
There are some roses planted near the war memorial, as a gift from the Czech
village of Lidice. These recall the destruction of Lidice by the Nazis in
retaliation for the assassination of the German leader in Prague, which was
ordered by President Benes.
Photos of this event are on
http://www.aston-abbotts.co.uk/Chronicle/czech/czech_1.htm
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