Secretary

Remembrance Sunday Parade – 10^th November

On Sunday 10^th November Harwell Village recognised Remembrance with a Parade along the Village High Street to the War Memorial where a Commemorative Service was held.

The Parade marched from Townsend to the War Memorial in the High Street, under the command of Sjt Jason Capone-Taylor from Didcot Army Cadet Force acting as the Parade Marshal. The parade included members of the Harwell Branch RBL, Harwell Parish Council, Western Valley Parish Council and local representatives from the VoWHDC, Didcot Cadet Forces (Army and Air), Harwell Scouts and Guides, joined by other Harwell organisations: Oxford Manor Lodge, the Bowls Club, Rugby Club, Gardening Club, Harwellian Club and the WI.

The attendance was higher than last year, encouraged by the better weather. The Service at the War Memorial was conducted by Rev. Brendan Bailey. The laying of the wreaths was led by Angus Horner, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, with Dr Tony Hughes playing the Last Post to signify the start and end of the two-minute silence.

A collection for the Poppy Appeal went around ahead and after the service, thanks go to Mrs Hazel Benton and Ms Tracey Pearson for their part in walking around with the collection buckets which raised £195.08. Thanks also to Paul Parlett who raised further funds with a tray of Poppies and merchandise.

Following the service held on the High Street, the Parade marched to St Matthew’s Church, where upon arrival the Standards formed a Guard of Honour at the entrance to the Church.

After the Church Service, the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant and Harwell Parish Chairman, joined by the RBL Branch Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, attended the War Memorial at the Commonwealth War Graves in Harwell Cemetery where a short moment of reflection was held before a wreath was laid.

Photos of the event can be found on the Branch Facebook page, and Branch Treasurer’s Flikr account, linked below:

Harwell RBL Branch Parades Facebook Page / Simon Haycox Flikr Album

11^th November, Armistice Day 2-minute silence

A short commemoration was held at the High Street War Memorial on Monday 11^th November at 11:00.  About 20 people attended, together with pupils and staff of Harwell School, and members of the Harwell Branch RBL.

The High Street was closed by volunteers from the Parish.

Branch Chairman Reginald White conducted the Ceremony and recited the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph. The Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Dr. Tony Hughes and the Two Minutes Silence was observed. The Chairman thanked all present for their attendance.

Harwell Parish Council and Harwell Branch RBL thank all who contributed to the Commemorations.