The Remembrance Day Service at St Aidan’s Church, conducted by Reverend Lindsay Southern, reports Sue Reece, reminded us not only of the sacrifices made by so many but that the poppy, our national symbol of remembrance, flourished in the disturbed ground of Flanders Fields – ground that suffered from the ravages of conflict.
Perhaps a reflection of how our communities also grow stronger when supporting each other in troubled times and why so many of the Chilton community come together to pay their respects.
The piper and regimental flags proudly led the parade down Durham Road, pausing for a moment as the first wreath was laid at the Miners Memorial Cottages by Mayor, Cllr Stuart Sutherland, accompanied by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Neil Schneider, and then proceeded on to the Chilton Cenotaph.
The crowds stood quietly as serving officer Cpl Stephanie Hanratty (Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) (featured in the photograph, right) led us into the two minutes silence with the traditional reading of “they shall not grow old” followed by The Reveille and those poignant words, “When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today.”
The laying of the wreaths was led by Alderman, Christine Potts on behalf of the Royal British Legion, followed by those of the Town Council, Junior Town Council, civic and political party members, the Scouts, armed forces, police, RNLI, and community organisations.
Following the blessing, the crowd slowly dispersed to take up an offering of warm and cold beverages.
The Wheatsheaf pub provided the annual the meeting point for veterans from across the north east with the opportunity to share their stories and show their comradeship for those no longer with us.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
