By Press Release
By Mal Butler
Thousands of people across the Island paid tribute to the Fallen at Remembrance Sunday parades and services last weekend.
The main parade took place in Newport, with huge crowds turning out to see the parade, which left Drill Hall Road before arriving in St Thomas’ Square for the two minutes silence at 11am announced by the Isle of Wight Council’s armed forces champion Cllr Ian Dore. Prayers afterwards were led by Rev Steve Sutcliffe. Army Reserves, Cadets, Scouts, Beavers, Police Cadets, Military Veterans and the Vectis Corps of Drums joined in the marching. The many wreath layers were led by the Island’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Susie Sheldon, High Sheriff, Kay Marriott and council chairman Cllr Clair Critchison.
A traditional service was then held in the Minster church. The Cowes’ Remembrance Service at the War Memorial was led by Rev Elizabeth Moxley following a parade from Park Road. The wreath laying was led by Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Carron Snagge, followed by Mayor of Cowes, Cllr Paul Bertie and IW council leader Lora Peacey-Wilcox. A service followed in St Mary’s Church.
Sandown’s service at the memorial on the Esplanade was attended by around 800 residents, with Revs Jonathan Hall and Mark Williams officiating. Sandown and Shanklin Military Band were on parade with Bugler Stuart Kent playing Last Post and the Reveille. The Island’s Royal British Legion president, Cllr Ian Ward, read the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph, and wreaths were laid on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant, with Sandown Town Mayor Paddy Lightfoot leading tributes from the town.
Lake’s Service, at the memorial on the Fairway, was organised by Cllr John Marshall and officiated by Rev John Izzard, with a poem read by Kaye Marshall. Havenstreet and Ashey Parish councillors Karen Hull and Conrad Gauntlett laid wreaths on behalf of the parish at services at St Peter’s Church, Havenstreet and Ashey Memorial, respectively. Shanklin’s service was extremely well attended, with more than 400 people attending the Old Village Remembrance. Shanklin Town Brass Band played the National Anthem and a number of hymns for attendees to join in with. In Yarmouth, Bugler Bertie Whistance travelled especially from Bristol to play the Last Post outside the Town Hall. A total of 41 wreaths were laid, with the Parade organised by Andre Usborne and led by Sir Guy Acland. A service with Rev Jackie Mawson took place afterwards in St James’ Church.
A poignant service at All Saints Church, Ryde, was led by Rev Heath Monaghan before a parade to Lind Street, which included the standards of the Royal British Legion under parade marshall Jeffery Reid. The Last Post was sounded by Denise Tizard.
A drumhead service, in which wreaths were laid around a drum, took place in the Brighstone car park, as the school field was too wet. The Medina Marching Band provided the music with a service in St Marys afterwards. Wreaths were later laid around the War Memorial. The Ventnor service took place later in the day and was attended by MP Bob Seely, who had also attended the Newport service earlier. Prayers were led by Rev Hugh Wright from St Catherine’s Church. Children took centre stage with poems read by Freddie Nixon, 8, town Mayor, Steph Toogood, and Josh Palmer, 16. Meanwhile, Islanders were among the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force in London over the weekend. A selection of adult volunteers and cadets were chosen to represent the Army Cadet Force nationally and make the journey to parade at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday night, along with a march past the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Sunday morning.
