Armistice Parade

On Sunday 13th November the annual armistice parade took place with people joining Syston residents from all over the country. The large crowd who lined the Melton Road from the car park to the War memorial in Central park included visitors from around the country. Those from Scotland and Wales joined visitors from Birstall to pay respect to the local residents who gave their lives so that we can live as we do today. The large parade was lead by the Syston Bass Band, followed by the Reverend Canon David White and the Colour Party. This was followed by members of the Royal British Legion and Town Council including the Chairman. The 1181 (Syston) ATC Squadron were followed by the Fire Service. The Scout and Guide Band then led ranks of Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and Rainbows. Another fabulous turnout by so many young people. As everyone gathered around the Cenotaph the band formed behind the dignitaries and the parade and followers filed into the area quickly and quietly as befitting such an occasion, although some couldn’t get through the gates, such was the size of the crowd following the parade.

The service was led by Reverend Canon David White who read the Act of Remembrance, calling everyone to remember those who had given their lives for the service of mankind. This was followed by the tribute read by the chairman of the RBL Syston branch and responded with ‘we will remember them.’ The last post sounded and the silence followed, our picture shows the lowered Colour Party flags at this point. The Reveille broke the silence and the laying of wreathes commenced at the same time as reading the names of the dead. The Syston Brass Band quietly played ‘abide with me’ and once the names had been read, the‘Kohima Epitaph’ was spoken and then the congregation sang ‘O God, our help in ages past.’ Prayers and blessing followed, then the parade reformed and marched back down Melton Road and onto High Street to St Peter and St Paul’s Church for the annual Royal British Legion Remembrance service. After the church service the parade dismissed outside the Conservative Club on Chapel Street. Refreshments were made available in the Conservative Club for everyone who participated in the event.