Residents gathered at Bratton’s War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day for the village’s annual Remembrance commemorations.
Remembrance Sunday began with a service at St James Church, followed by an ecumenical service at the War Memorial led by Revd Malcolm Wieck from St James Church and Revd Esther McManus from the Baptist Church.
Representatives from Wiltshire Council, Bratton Parish Council, both branches of the Royal British Legion, the armed forces, Matravers Combined Cadet Force, Bratton Women’s Institute, Bratton Community Brass Bands, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows laid wreaths at the War Memorial.
On Armistice Day, Tuesday 11th November, the community gathered once again to pay their respects. Revd Malcolm Wieck and Revd Esther McManus both gave readings and prayers, and Bratton Silver Band played the Last Post.
Bratton Primary School’s ‘Little Troopers’, a group of children with military families at the school, took part in laying a wreath on behalf of the whole school community. They carried a peace lantern, and some students read the Kohima Epitaph and Lamp of Peace to the crowd.
“It was especially poignant to have currently serving members of the military attend with their children,” said Louise Bunce, health and safety officer and admin officer at the school.
“All the school children behaved with respect and remained silent throughout, and we received much praise from the local community on the wonderful participation during the service. We couldn’t be prouder of them all.”
Pictured above: Ray Davis, Bratton village crier; Tracey Butt, standard bearer; Cllr Mike Phillips, Wiltshire council; Lt Gen Louis Lillywhite, President Bratton branch RBL; Cllr Keith Rayward, Bratton Council Chairman; and Caitlin Butt, Standard bearer
Three pictures below by Angus Lyon
