Harwell Parish Council and Harwell RBL Branch confirmed that the 2021 Remembrance Parade would return in its full format on Sunday 14th November, with a 2 minutes silence held on the 11th November. Both events went well, being very well attended in unseasonably warm weather
Remembrance Sunday – 14th November
This year’s Remembrance Parade and Service at the Village War Memorial saw a return to the full format after the hiatus in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the effects of the pandemic still present, The Harwell Parish Council and RBL agreed that a full return was viable. This was proved by both Parade participants and villagers gathering on the pavements in strong numbers in unseasonably mild conditions.
The Parade marched from Townsend to the War Memorial in the High Street. Around 200 people in total and 10 Standards, consisting of the RBL with Local Council representation (District and Parish), local organisations with the Cadet Forces, Scouts and Guides completing the line up.
An estimated 300 villagers attended the Service at the War Memorial conducted by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Mobey with Dr Tony Hughes playing the Last Post to signify the start of the two-minute silence. Thanks to Phill Johnston and Liz Roberts for stepping in to distribute the service sheets to the congregation
A collection for the Poppy Appeal went around ahead and after the service and raised £234.70, and thanks should go to Ms Tracey Pearson for her efforts stepping in at the last minute as a collector.
Wreaths were laid by VOWH DC, Harwell Parish Council, Royal British Legion Harwell Branch, The Harwellian Club, Didcot Detachment Army Cadets, 2410 (Didcot) Sqn Air Cadets, Harwell Scouts the Milbrook Girl Guides and on behalf of the Harwell Parish History Group.
Following the service, The Parade marched to St Matthew’s Church, where upon the arrival the Standards formed a Guard of Honour at the entrance to the Church. Rev Pam Rolls joined by Rev Jan Radford took the service
After the Church Service, RBL Branch Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer attended the War Memorial at the Commonwealth War Graves in Harwell Cemetery where a wreath was laid
For a more photos please follow the links below
Harwell Branch Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/HarwellRBLParades/
Simon Haycox – https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX7krnt
Bob Girling – https://gnilrig.smugmug.com//Harwell-Remembrance-Service-14-Nov-21/
Armistice Day – 11th November
A short commemoration was held at the High Street War Memorial at 11 o’clock in recognition of the two minutes silence held on the 11th November. Pupils from the Harwell School and school staff joined the RBL Branch Chairman Reginald White who conducted the ceremony. The Last Post was sounded by Dr. Tony Hughes, the Two Minutes Silence was observed.