A COMMEMORATION 1,000 years in the making is finally upon the village of Sherston.

Many may not be aware that in 1016 the north Wiltshire village saw Cnut the Great of Denmark take on King Edmund and his West Saxon army in a bloody two day skirmish.

After both sides suffered many fatalities, the battle was called off after two days but it gave Sherston its place in history.

That claim to historic fame will bring the village together this weekend, as the 1016 society has organised a full day’s worth of entertainment with re-enactors, food, drink and fireworks.

Sherston resident Richard Stancomb has also organised a guest lecture from a historian and writer with a wealth of knowledge about Cnut and the battle itself.

It is true that small rural communities are at their best at times like this, when residents can come together in celebration of their own part of England.

It has been great to see schools being involved as well, with re-enactors visiting pupils to educate them about what went on in their home a millennium ago.

To look at it now, it’s hard to comprehend the thought of men dying on a battlefield in Sherston, but engaging young people in this way brings history to life for them.

Every part of the 1016 commemorations have been planned with love and care – now let’s just hope the weather holds out!