Last Sunday, 8th November, the sun shone warm and bright as the Sidmouth Remembrance parade moved off from Sidmouth High Street led by Sidmouth Town Band and civic dignitaries. Serving personnel, Veterans, Veteran’s Associations, Emergency Services, Youth Organisations, business and political leaders processed down through the town which was lined by large respectful crowds of onlookers. Turning on to Church Street, the parade was met by larger numbers still, until it arrived at the Parish Church where the band played on as the long snaking lines of people fanned out into the church yard.
Fiona Harvey of the band played the Last Post as the crowd fell silent, remembering those who have served and those who never came back from serving our country. Conducting the Service of Remembrance was Reverend Victoria Chester. The Exhortation was read by Dr Richard Davis, Chairman of the Sidmouth Royal British Legion and the Kohima Epitaph read by David Thornley of the Kohima Trust.
Representing the Monarch and on behalf the Town, the first poppy wreath was laid by Councillor Hilary Nelson, Chair of Council. Other dignitaries followed with service personnel, veterans groups and local organisations paying their respects. As the wreaths were laid, the band played Sir Edward Elgar’s Nimrod while the crowds watched and listened in respectful silence and contemplation of those that have served and continue to do so.
Later in the week on Wednesday 11 November, Armistice day, the town took an opportunity to mark Armistice Day and observe the national two minutes silence at 11am which had been marked by two loud maroons fired from the Church Tower.
Sidmouth did indeed Remember.