Bishop Auckland Remembers

Huge crowds gathered in Bishop Auckland Market Place on Remembrance Sunday (12th November 2023) to pay tribute to those who had fought and lost their lives in war.  The War Memorial Service at St Anne’s Church in the Market Place is organised annually by Bishop Auckland Town Council in collaboration with DLI Association, 8th Battalion The Rifles, and Royal British Legion.

This year’s Remembrance Parade, led by WO2 Dylan Thompson 8th Battalion the Rifles, and included veterans, cadet organisations and youth services.  The acts of remembrance were officiated at the war memorial by Rev Matt Keddilty of St Anne’s Church.  Two minutes’ silence was impeccably held at exactly 11.00am marking the Anniversary of the end of World War One.

The first wreath was laid by Dr. Robert McManners, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, representing HRH King Charles III, followed by Sam Zair, Mayor of Bishop Auckland who laid a wreath on behalf of the town.  A further thirty six wreaths were laid by representatives of the forces, ex service associations, uniformed public services, cadet organisations, youth services, political organisations, community groups and charities, and many other organisations and individuals associated with the town.

The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Sam Zair, said: “Today it was wonderful to see such a tremendous turn out, I cannot praise the people of Bishop Auckland enough for the impeccable silence, and the dignity, poignant respect that showed that our community has not forgotten the sacrifice made by so many.”

Following the reflection at the war memorial a short Service of Remembrance was held in St Anne’s Church, which had a full congregation.