OVER 500 people gathered at the Edward Street War Memorial in Westbury to pay their respects at the town’s annual Remembrance Sunday Service on 12th November.
Events took place across the country to mark Armistice Day on the 11th and Remembrance Sunday on the 12th November. This year’s services in Westbury were organised jointly by Westbury Town Council and the Westbury Branch of the Royal British Legion.
Town council events coordinator, Verity Bartlett said, “This is the first year that the town council has assisted with the organisation of the events and we were extremely pleased at how many people turned out on both days. We acknowledge that there were some road closure issues with the parade on Remembrance Sunday and we will work with the Royal British Legion to resolve these for next year.”
The war memorial was ‘yarn bombed’ with over 3,000 poppies made locally by Emma Simmonds of E J Crafts and her band of helpers from the community. Verity said, “This year the ‘yarn bomb’ was fabulous and Emma and her supporters have done an amazing job; the war memorial looks fantastic, it has been a great community effort.”
During the service, Rev Rhona Floate said, “It is ironic that we have been bombed today, but what a lovely thing to be bombed with. Thank you to all of the knitters who have helped to yarn bomb today’s service”
Rev Rhona Floate led the service with The Exhortation carried out by Mayor cllr Gordon King, followed by The Last Post. The two minutes’ silence was then observed, followed by Reveille.
Despite the cold weather the people of Westbury sang loud the chosen hymm of Onward Christian Soldiers and watched on as many uniformed organisations, groups and members of the community laid wreaths at the foot of the memorial.
Eddie Bridges, chairman of the Westbury Royal British Legion Branch said, “The day was extremely good and well supported, people were very generous”
The mayor said, “When we assembled in remembrance where we were eloquently reminded of the great deeds and unlimited courage of our forefathers and our enduring responsibility to ensure peace. Such things are infectious. I was very proud to be part of this and send my congratulations to those who turned out in great number to give glory to the fallen. You did Westbury proud.
“Endless thanks are due to Westbury Town Council, The Royal British Legion, Emma Simmonds and her friends for their yarnbomb, those business who decorated their shop windows and Rev Rhona Floate and team. I look forward to joining with you all in commemoration next year.”
Verity added, “Next year will see the culmination of commemorative events marking the 100th anniversary of the years of the First World War. Therefore, on Sunday 11th November as well as the Sunday service, there will be a national beacon lighting ceremony where organisations, community groups and individuals will light beacons across the country at 7pm.
“Westbury Town Council will be taking part and has invited the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire; Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton to light the beacon on Westbury White Horse.
“The town council is keen to hear from anybody who would like to be involved with any of the Remembrance events for 2018, particularly local youth groups. Planning for 2018 has already begun, so if you would like to be involved, please contact Verity at info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk.
