As always, there was a great show of support from residents of the town for our armed forces at the Remembrance Day parade on Sunday 10th November.
Led by the Aycliffe and Brancepeth Band, the parade formed up outside of St. Clare’s Church where LLM James Walsh carried out a short service and everyone observed the two minutes silence perfectly.
The poppy wreaths were laid, led by a representative of the Lord Lieutenant’s Office, Dame Dela Smith DBE DL, followed by the Reviewing Officer, Major Lovelock-Jeffels, Alan Strickland MP, the Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Councillor John Clark, and County Councillors together with members of the Armed Forces, clubs, churches, schools and members of the public.
Following a Service of Remembrance in the church, the parade assembled outside for the March Past and Salute overseen by the Reviewing Officer. The Parade was dismissed in the yard of the Barnard Armoury.
Later that day, a Remembrance Day commemoration was carried out at St Andrews Church, Aycliffe Village. The service was conducted by LLM James Walsh and the assembled congregation all joined in to sing the national anthem after the laying of wreaths at the memorial.
The Mayor, Councillor John Clark, said, “Remembrance Sunday is one that is special to me and everyone in our town and I am always impressed with just how many people take the time to come along to watch. Thank you to all our service personnel for the parade, it is wonderful to be a part of this special day to remember the fallen and to pay our respects to them for their sacrifice.”
A blessing was also held in the Town Centre to mark Armistice Day on Monday 11th November at 11am. Residents gathered near the town clock to observe the two minutes silence and to take part in the short service.
