Video report: Hundreds attend Newbury Service of Remembrance

Relocation of service and parade this year to the Market Place proved to be a success

HUNDREDS of people packed out Newbury Market Place yesterday (Sunday) for the town's Service of Remembrance.

Previously held outside St Nicolas' church, this year marked the first time the service has been held in the market square, to safely accommodate more people.

The service, to honour those who have died at war, went without a hitch, in bright sunshine and was favourably received by the crowd.

Among those paying their respects was Julie Jones, of Wash Common, whose six-year-old son, Tristran Jones, a Newbury Sea Cadet, was attending his first Remembrance Sunday service.

“Last year you could hardly see or hear, this year everyone could fit in, it was brilliant,” said Mrs Jones, adding that the sound system also proved effective: “You could hear the prayers and knew what to do.”

A procession from the Royal British Legion's headquarters, in Pelican Lane, along Northbrook Street and into the market square, was led by Watership Brass - the Newbury town band.

The service, which was led by the Rev. Keri Eynon, began with the hymn, O God Our Help in Ages Past.

Service veterans lined the market square and several wore gleaming war medals, included Leslie Wilson, aged 88, of Newtown Road, formerly of Bomber Command.

Prayers were followed by an exhortation by Mr Eynon, who said: “Today we wear our poppies as a symbol of hope and peace. Let us remember those who have lived and died in war.”

He then read out the names of those from Newbury who had died in the First and Second World Wars, while also remembering those still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We pray for those who continue to give their lives in ongoing conflicts throughout our world,” he said.

Flags were then lowered before the Last Post sounded, followed by two minute‘s silence before the flags were raised.

The first to lay a wreath was Newbury mayor, Jeff Beck.

The National Anthem was played, followed by a blessing, and the parade marched out of the market square to lay more wreaths at the war memorial outside St Nicolas' church.

Making up the parade were West Berkshire dignitaries, Army cadets, combined cadet force (CDF), Air cadets, Scouts, Girl Guides, Royal British Legion members and servicemen and women from the 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic) at Hermitage.

To see a video from the day, including interviews with parade marshal David Armstrong and Normandy veteran Gordon Smith, click on the link above.

Full full coverage of Remembrance services in West Berkshire, see this week's Newbury Weekly News and for more pictures click on our online picture gallery.