By Isle of Wight ObserverRyde Town’s Remembrance service also marked the centenary of the 1918 Armistice, with a special peal of the bells at All Saints Church both before and after the act of Remembrance.
With onlookers standing 4-5 deep, the parade formed in Station street and was led by the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, with the standard of the Ryde Branch of the Royal British Legion being carried by Mr David Greenwood, and the Town’s book of Remembrance carried by a Sea cadet from TS Royal George. The marchers processed to All Saints Church for the service of Remembrance, officiated by the Rev Howard Barker.
A packed church, with people standing at the rear, heard a reading by Mr Brian Harris, Branch President of the RBL, and a special anthem sung by the church choir. During the service Mr Harris presented the book of Remembrance to Rev Barker, which was placed on the altar of the Warrior chapel.
After the service the parade re-formed under the control of the Ryde RBL parade Marshal Mr Terry Clarkson, the parade consisting serving military personnel, veterans, Sea, Army and Police cadets, the Military Preparation College, representatives of the emergency services also many youth and civilian groups and private individuals then made its way down to the war memorial in Lind Street for the traditional Act of Remembrance at 11 am.
The wreath laying was led by Cllr Charles Chapman former IW Council Chairman, Cllr Malcolm Ross Mayor of Ryde, Mr Brian Harris RBL
After the parade all participants were invited to refreshments provided by the licensee and staff at the Crown Hotel.
Afterwards Terry Clarkson, who was marking his last parade at Ryde, said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the sheer number of people of all ages who had turned out to mark the centenary event.
