West Berkshire residents come together for Remembrance Sunday services across the district
The people of West Berkshire took to the streets of their communities on Sunday to join the nation in commemorating those who lost their lives in war.
In Newbury and Thatcham, traditional processions drew in both veterans and civilians alike, and there were also events in Hungerford and the villages of West Berkshire and north Hampshire.
Last year, public commemorations were limited as a result of coronavirus restrictions, with people told to remember from home and at small, private services.
The district observed the national silence at 11am, and wreaths were laid at war memorials throughout West Berkshire.
In Newbury, hundreds gathered in Market Place for a service that was attended by MP Laura Farris and mayor Billy Drummond, as well as members of the Royal British Legion's (RBL) Newbury branch.
Ken Warburton, the club's president, said: "It's all about remembrance, and it's one day a year - the Newbury public, in the main, support our parades.
"It's the main event of the year for us, and what we want to do, really, is promote our organisation and the work that we do to help servicemen and women and their dependents."
Service personnel were joined by cadets from local schools for the march through town, which drew applause from the public.
Following the event, many of those who attended the service proceeded to St Nicolas Church for a memorial.
This included the singing of hymns, as well as sermons, readings and speeches from pastoral staff.
The Rev Jackie Fountain, while emphasising the significance of Remembrance Sunday as an occasion for mourning, said: "It's also a time to let these remembrances inspire us, to deepen our commitment to making peace in our own day.
"As we remember, we remember the list of names on the war memorial in our town - not just a list of names, but each name represents an individual.
"Each of these people has their story. This week, I took time to read through some of their 333 stories, which have been carefully gathered and archived and put on the West Berkshire War Memorial site.
"Each one a different story - people from all walks of life, different families and backgrounds, who fought in different battles and countries.
"And, yes, each made the ultimate sacrifice, and left behind a grieving family."
After the main events, a commemorative gathering was held at the RBL club, with families and friends of the local branch invited to attend alongside veterans and armed services personnel.
Among those present at the club was Hugh Mannerings, who - alongside his wife, Helen - had laid on a special memorial, a tradition he has kept to for around 40 years.
Mr Mannerings started designing these tributes as a young boy for each Remembrance Sunday, eventually taking over from his father.
He said: "Those that are fighting in today's conflicts, and those that have fought in the past - they thoroughly deserve these memorials and tributes, because, without them, we might not even be here!
"It's an honour and privilege to do it."
