A WESTBURY beacon is to be lit as a special commemoration to mark 100 years of the end of the First World War this Sunday, 11th November. Westbury Town Council says it is proud to be part of ‘Battle’s Over – A Nation’s Tribute’, which recognises the contribution and sacrifice made by the men and women from our community.
Across the nation at exactly 7pm on the 11th day of the 11th month, beacons will be lit to symbolise the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1.
Westbury Town Council says, “To mark 100 years since the end of WW1, the Westbury beacon will be lit at precisely 7pm by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton, in the presence of Baroness Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council and the Mayor of Westbury Councilor Ian Cunningham.
“Members of the public wishing to take part in this event should be at the beacon by 6.30pm; there will be a prompt start at 6.45pm If you wish to offer your own remembrance, small hand tied sprigs of rosemary will be provided and collected during the ceremony, to be placed at the foot of the lit beacon by Lt Col Andrew Field who has worked with Westbury Remembers project for the past four years.
During the morning, the town’s Service and Act of Remembrance will take place in front of the war memorial at the library area from 10.30am.
A summary of timings for the Remembrance Sunday Service are as follows:
9am: Town centre roads closed
10.20am: Veterans and uniformed organisations assemble in High Street car park
10.30am: Members of the public are invited to gather in the High Street, orders of service available
10.40am: Parade to step off under control of the Parade Marshall
10.45am: Service Starts
10.58am: The Exhortation – The Mayor of Westbury, Cllr Ian Cunningham, followed by The Last Post
11.00am: 2 minutes’ silence observed, followed by Reveille
11.05am: Laying of wreaths at the War Memorial
11.15am: Closing hymn – Onward Christian Soldiers, followed by act of Commitment
11.25am: National Anthem
11.30am: Remembrance Service finishes
12 noon: Roads reopen.
Some parking bays in the High Street car park will be closed for Remembrance Service on Sunday morning to allow for the parade to assemble. Alternative car parking is available in Warminster Road car park.
If you have any questions regarding either event please contact Martin Dawson, events coordinator, Westbury Town Council on 01373 822232 or email events@westburytown council.gov.uk
Westbury Town Council has the following advice to anyone attending the beacon lighting: “Please bear in mind the time of year; wear appropriate clothing, suitable footwear and please bring a torch. In the event of a severe weather warning, the ceremonial will take place in All Saints Church, Westbury, with the same timings. The Westbury Town Council website and Facebook page will have latest details so do look at those if you have any doubts.”
For further details please contact Westbury Town Council on 01373 822232 or info@ westburytowncouncil.gov.uk
