Remembrance Sunday – Remembrance Parade
On Sunday 12th November Harwell Village recognised the annual Remembrance with a Parade along the Village High Street to the War Memorial where a Commemorative Service was held.
In wetter conditions than experienced in recent years, but perhaps more seasonal for November, the Parade marched from Townsend to the War Memorial in the High Street and included members of the RBL, Harwell Parish Council and Local representatives from the VOWH DC, Didcot Cadet Forces (Army and Air) Scouts, Guides and this year joined by a number of Harwell Organisations for the first time, including Alma Barn, Arts & Craft Group, Harwell Bowls Club, Harwell Rugby Club, Tennis Club and the WI and also joined by the newly formed Western Valley Parish Council, who are without their own memorial.
The attendance was positive given the wet start to the day, those attending welcoming the Service at the War Memorial being conducted by Rev. Jeremy Parsons for the first time in his new role as Rector at St Matthews. The laying of the wreaths was led by Angus Horner, the Deputy 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 which raised £199.05, thanks go to Mrs Hazel Benton and Ms Tracey Pearson for their part in walking around with the collection buckets.
Following the service held on the High Street, 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.
After the Church Service, the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Harwell Parish Chairman and Rev Parsons joined the RBL Branch Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Branch Treasurer and Branch Secretary all 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.
Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, Angus Horner, said of the event “As ever, it was an incredibly well attended and executed Parade. The Cadets, Beavers, Scouts et al are a particular credit to themselves and us all (turning out in large numbers in poor weather). I am sure that Generations Past look down with great satisfaction at this robust and consistent act of Remembrance by Harwell’s People.”
Photos of the event can be found on the Branch Facebook page, and Branch Treasurer’s Flikr account, linked below:
Harwell RBL Parades Facebook Page / Simon Haycox, flickr.com Album
Armistice Day
A short commemoration was held at the High Street War Memorial on Saturday 11th November at 11:00. About 30 people attended, together with members of Harwell School, and members of the Harwell Branch RBL including the Branch Standard.
The High Street was closed by the Parish Council staff.
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.
