AROUND 3,000 people turned out for the annual Bromsgrove Remembrance Sunday parade and service in another record-breaking year for attendances.
The parade, also longer than previous years, was led by Sgt Mjr Jeff Carlton.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
It progressed down the High Street, giving an ‘eyes left’ at the Odd Fellow Memorial before snaking down Church Street and across Market Place to the War Monument in Crown Close.
The crowds stretched almost as far as the bus station as the service was led by Bromsgrove Royal British Legion Chaplain, Rev Ray Khan.
After the Introduction and Exhortation, there was the Last post and a two-minute silence where you could hear a pin drop and then the Reveille.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
The performance by bugler Katie Harding from Bromsgrove School was both moving and faultless.
Following The Kohima Epitaph, a total of 45 wreaths were laid by various organisations.
Among them were several regiments, the Royal British Legion, West Mercia Police, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service and a host of community groups, including The Bromsgrove Lions, Rotary and Round Table, the Court Leet, Bromsgrove Society, scouts, brownies, boys brigade, girls brigade and others.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid undertook a reading from the Bible and hymns included ‘I Vow to thee My Country’, ‘O God Our Help in Ages Past’ and ‘Make Me a Channel of Your Peace’.
Rev Khan used the words of ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’ as the basis for his sermon, talking about the importance of peace.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
The service concluded with the National Anthem and afterwards refreshments were held in The Dry Spy where Vintage Class and Catherine Tabberner performed live.
Bromsgrove District Council Chairman Rod Laight said: “What a tremendous turn-out – it seems to be getting bigger every year – it’s absolutely brilliant.”
Rev Khan added: “As ever, it was great to see so many people turn out and so many youth organisations.
“The schools are also getting more involved which is what we want – it is a fabulous turn-out for a town of this size.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
And Mr Javid said: “I think we have just seen the biggest turn-out ever which shows the commitment from Bromsgrove to remember those who have lost their lives in conflicts over the years.
“It is also incredible to see so many young faces here – from cadets to guides, scouts and others – all also showing a commitment to remember.
“I think the recent death and mourning of Her Late Majesty and her life of sacrifice for her country and the war in Ukraine – the biggest conflict on our continent for some time – has also brought these subjects to the front of everyone’s minds.”
