Bromsgrove pays its respects on Remembrance Day

By Tristan Harris Sunday 11 November 2012 Updated: 12/11 13:15

MORE than 200 people attended Bromsgrove's annual Remembrance Day service at the historic St John's Church today (Sunday).

Proceedings began with a parade from the High Street, up to the church, with those marching giving an 'eyes left' at the Odd Fellows memorial en route.

A variety of organisations were represented in the procession, including the Bromsgrove Royal British Legion (RBL), the Bromsgrove RBL Women's Section, veterans from conflicts over the years, officers from West Mercia Police, firefighters from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, town MP Sajid Javid, Bromsgrove civic head Coun Janice Boswell and several local councillors.

There were also representatives from a number of community groups, including the scouts, the Bromsgrove Lions, the Bromsgrove and North Worcestershire branches of the Rotary Club, and The Standard.

The moving service was given by Rev Chris Wingfield and also featured readings from civic head Janice Boswell and Fred Pearson from the Royal British Legion.

After a two-minute silence, wreaths were laid by the representatives of a number of organisations.

The parade then made its way down to the Burma Memorial, where there was a second wreath-laying, after more prayers led by Rev Wingfield.

Poppy Appeal organiser Darren Jaye thanked those who went along to the parade and service and those who had helped with this year's campaign, selling poppies.

And he added: "The parade and service was fantastic - the turn-out was brilliant.

"It was a special one because it is the last time it will be done like this - next year we will have the brand new war memorial."

Mr Javid said: "Once again, it has been a great service and an excellent turn out from local people, which shows how much they all care about those who have done so much for us in the past and those who are continuing to do so much for us now."

And, he added, it being a fine day weather-wise helped bring people out.