Wincanton's Remembrance Parade and service 2019
Wincanton came out in numbers again this year to participate in and support the Town’s Royal British Legion Remembrance Parade on Sunday 10th November 2019. Following last year's alteration, the Parade and subsequent church service were held in the morning, and fortunately the weather held fine after a period of wet and windy conditions.
For some years now there has been a drive to make the Parade as inclusive as possible, and particularly to encourage local youth groups to join in. Wincanton continues to be home to many military families, both serving and retired, and again it was very encouraging to see so many taking part in the Parade as well as supporting on the High Street; something it is hoped will continue to grow over the coming years. One of the local military families, including their young children, were on-hand to help oversee the laying of the crosses to each of Wincanton’s fallen at the War Memorial before the Parade marched off.
The Parade left the Memorial Hall car park at 10:20am led by Wincanton Silver Band, and made its way down High Street to the Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. Directly following the Silver Band were the Standard of the Wincanton Branch of the Royal British Legion and the Union Jack, both carried by serving members of 1 Regiment Army Air Corp.
Also represented in the Parade were members of the Royal British Legion, veterans, serving members of branches of the Armed Forces, representatives of both the Town Council and South Somerset District Council, Army Air Corp Cadets from King Arthur’s School, the Police, Wincanton Fire Service and Cadets, Wincanton Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, Beavers and representatives from King Arthur’s School including pupils, the Headteacher and support staff.
It is estimated that over 300 people of all ages attended the Remembrance church service. The service took the traditional format and wreaths were laid at the War Memorial inside the Church. It was particularly moving that the daughter of the late David Sharp MBE (MBE awarded for his work with the Red Cross in Wincanton), laid the wreath on behalf of the Red Cross.
Following the service, the Parade formed up again and marched back up Church Street to Churchfields were Parade Marshal Dave Hill thanked all those who took part. Lt. Col. Colin Thomas took the salute as the Parade passed the Church.
On Monday 11th November at 11am, a short Service of Remembrance was held at the War Memorial in the grounds of Wincanton Memorial Hall. Members of the public joined representatives from the Royal British Legion and Rev. Ken Masters who took the Service. A two-minute silence was observed and a wreath was laid. Following the Service, a small representation walked up to the Bayford memorial to the crew of ‘Old Faithful’ to lay a wreath and observe a period of silence.
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