CROWDS turned out to pay their respects at Bewdley’s Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service.
Picture by The Garden Kitchen, Bewdley. s
The parade itself began at Bridge House, Riverside North, and made its way to the War Memorial at St Anne’s Church.
Among those marching were members of the Royal British Legion and the armed forces, Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier, Mayor of Bewdley, Coun Nicole Harper, local councillors and community groups, including Scouts, Girl Guides and Rainbows.
Picture by The Garden Kitchen, Bewdley. s
It was a particularly poignant day for Bewdley Community Marching Band which was marching in its final parade after 43 years.
In a message on Saturday, members wrote it was fitting as their first parade as a band was a Remembrance Parade and thanked every person who had been part of their four-decade-plus journey.
Picture by The Garden Kitchen, Bewdley. s
At the memorial, there was a two-minute silence and wreaths were laid.
The service was led by Rev Melissa Beynon from St Anne’s Church.
Picture by The Garden Kitchen, Bewdley. s
Speaking to the Standard afterwards, she said: “The turnout was fabulous and it was particularly encouraging to see the age range of those who attended – I asked them during the service and the youngest was five and the oldest was 95.
“It is important to remember those who gave their lives for us and the community spirit showed was exactly what they fought for.
“It’s about making a better world and a better community in the towns and areas where we live.”
Picture by The Garden Kitchen, Bewdley. s
Coun Harper said: “It was wonderful to attend and so moving.
“It was also sad that it was the Bewdley Community Marching Band’s final parade – it has been great over the years to have a local band lead the us all to the memorial.
“And, the moment where we received the salute was a great honour.”
Picture by The Garden Kitchen, Bewdley. s
Mr Garnier added: ““It was an honour to be part of the Remembrance Sunday service in Bewdley.
“Each year, a rotate through the tree mains towns in Wyre Forest, and it was the turn of Bewdley this year.
“With a father who fought in the Second World War and a grandfather who fought in the Great War, this is important to me personally, especially as my grandfather’s brother was killed in Mesopotamia in 1916.
“But irrespective of personal ties, this is an incredibly important day.
“Far too many young men and women have died in the service of their country, and they should never be forgotten.”
