Bishop Auckland Remembers: Thousands Turn Out for Town’s Poignant Commemorations
Huge crowds gathered in Bishop Auckland Market Place on Remembrance Sunday to pay tribute to those who had fought and lost their lives in war.
An estimated 2,000 people attended this year’s Remembrance Service and Parade which so poignantly marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
The parade, led by 8th Battalion the Rifles and followed by Bishop Auckland Pipes and Drums, 2505 Air Cadets, Arms Cadets, Motivational Preparation College for Training, the Scouts, veterans and members of the public, set off from the Newgate Centre and marched to the War Memorial in the Market Place.
The Service at the War Memorial was led by Reverend Matt Keddilty, St Anne’s Church. Two minutes’ silence was impeccably held at exactly 11.00am marking the 100th anniversary of the guns falling silent at the end of the First World War.
Pipes played ‘Abide with me’ as Dr. Robert McManners, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, representing HRH Queen Elizabeth II, laid the first wreath followed by Dave Fleming, Mayor who laid a wreath on behalf of the town. A further thirty three wreaths were laid by representatives of the forces, police, fire service and many other organisations and individuals associated with the town.
The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor David Fleming, said: “I cannot praise the people of Bishop Auckland enough for the tremendous turn out today which was dignified, poignant and showed that our community has not forgotten the sacrifice made by so many.”
“The Council would also like to say a huge thank you to those behind the scenes who ensure the Act of Remembrance is made possible each year, particularly Ruth Wright from the Royal British Legion, WO2 Eastwood from the 8th Battalion the Rifles, Rev Matt Keddilty and Clergy from St Anne’s Church, members from the 2505 Air Cadets, Mike Donne from SSAFA, Bishop Auckland Police, The Army Cadets – Bishop Auckland, Bishop Auckland Pipes and Drums and the DLI Bishop Auckland Branch.”
Photo Gallery
Photographs: Courtesy of Chris Percival
