Remembering Those Who Gave Their Tomorrow for Our Today
On Friday 11th November a small dedicated group met at the Memorial in Central Park for Armistice day service lead by Rick Astill of G. E. Gamble with Andy playing the last post to mark the start of the two minute silence and reveille at the end.
Rick brought with him some packets of poppy seeds for people to take away and plant in their own gardens.
After the service your editor was introduced to Ray Brewster, now living in Thrussington, who turned 100 years in June this year and received one of the last cards sent by Her Majesty the Queen, Ray had served in the Royal Navy and wore his medals with pride, he was accompanied by his daughter Candida. It was an honour to meet such a lovely gentleman and hear his memories.
Our picture above shows L – R: Tony Bond, John Collis, Andy, Rick Astill, Sue Essex, Noel Bertrum, Edward Argar MP, Tom Barkley Chairman Syston Town Council and two local Veterans
Syston Remembrance Parade
Sunday 13th November Syston turned out to remember those who have given their tomorrow for our today.
It was the first parade since 2019 due to COVID so it was lovely to see such a large parade with the Scout and Guide band leading after a lone piper had marched up from the car park to the memorial.
Following the Scout and guide band were the VIPs including Col Richard Hurwood Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Representatives of the Conservative association, Veterans, Councillors led by Chairman T. Barkley and officers, followed by a delegation from our Twinned Town Deville les Rouen and Syston Twinning members.
These were followed by our young people: Syston Army Cadets, Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and Rainbows.
What a sight to behold!
At the memorial, a short service took place, led by Rev Biddy Saunders and Sue Essex, a member of Syston Band played the Last post and Reveille with the rest of Syston band playing the hymns and while the wreaths were laid.
After the service the parade regrouped and marched back to the car park were it was dismissed. Only then did the scale of the parade become fully apparent as it wrapped around the car park, with Darren Rickman Parade Marshall, giving the salute to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant before dismissing the parade.
Members of the parade and public then proceeded to the parish church of St Peter and St Paul for a service of remembrance. The church was full and the service was followed by an invitation to join the Royal British Legion Branch for lunch and entertainment at the Conservative Club.
Thank you to Deanna of DL Photography for the pictures.
