Shildon was blessed with bright and fine, if chilly, weather for both of its Remembrance ceremonies over the weekend.
On Saturday, which this year coincidentally fell on Remembrance Day itself, a fair number of townspeople, some from various organisations around the town, gathered along with military veterans and a contingent of Scouts and Guides to honour the fallen military personnel whose names are remembered on the New Shildon war memorial.
The parade’s route to the memorial from the junction of the Factory Road and Redworth Road was made easier this year after householders agreed to move a handful of parked cars that on previous occasions had blocked the route.
After the ceremony, attendees, representatives, veterans and clergy were invited into the main hall at the Railway Institute opposite to warm up with tea, coffee and biscuits.
Here two additional poppy wreaths were also placed beneath the Institute members’ war memorial half way up the main stairwell inside the building.
The Remembrance Sunday ceremony the next day, which is considered to be Shildon’s main Remembrance event, saw yet another sizeable turnout from across the community to pay their respects in a year which has seen the war memorial near St John’s Church reach it’s centenary.
As is customary, the parade marched the length of Church Street, headed by bearers carrying the union flag and the standard of the Royal British Legion Shildon Branch.
Musical accompaniment to the hymns was rendered admirably, despite the cold temperature, by the band from the Salvation Army whose cornet player also offered the Last Post and Rouse.
Among those present that placed wreaths or crosses this year, on behalf of organisations or through personal connections, was the MP for Bishop Auckland, Dehenna Davison, making her first personal appearance at a Shildon Remembrance.
At the close of the ceremony, following the National Anthem, the parade reformed to make its way to the Civic Hall for refreshments.
Captain Darren Rhodes of 124 Recovery Company took the salute, en route, as the senior uniformed representative present from the armed forces.
A spokesperson for the Shildon Branch of the Royal British Legion, who oversee the Remembrance Services, said: “Yet again we have been delighted and heartened by another strong show of support for the Remembrance events this year, and we’re most grateful for the efforts made by all of those who come together to play their part in helping the event go smoothly.
“In particular the Town Council staff for their facilities and logistical co-ordination of equipment and road closure, and of course the respective members of the clergy for their key part in the ceremonies.
“It was tremendous to see so many military veterans of all ages present. Their participation in respecting fallen comrades and forebears is so important as it demonstrates that the sacrifices of our armed forces community are an ongoing concern.
“Likewise we’d like to acknowledge the part played by the young members, and leaders, of the Scout and Guide groups who bring so much colour and vitality to the parade and ceremony.
“Most importantly, though, we really want to thank those who came on either or both days to be part of this act of tribute, showing that Shildon has such strong and deep respect for the armed forces.
“We’d also like to thank everyone who bought their poppies this year and contributed to the Poppy Appeal, which is such a vital part of the Remembrance season, and allows the Royal British Legion to support serving and ex-serving forces personnel all year round.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
