Hundreds gathered in Droitwich’s Victoria Square today (Sunday, November 12) to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The rainy town centre was awash with poppies as members of our armed forces headed a marching parade along Ombersley Street towards the World War I memorial.
When the parade arrived in the square – accompanied by young members of the Fire Cadets, Beavers, Scouts and Guides – Droitwich Salvation Army Band provided sombre musical backing.
Reverend Laura Handy, from The Saltway Team Ministry led the Remembrance service which encouraged an act of quiet remembrance among hymns, prayers, and bible readings.
The Last Post was performed ahead of a moving two minutes silence.
During the wreath laying, dignitaries paid their respects before adorning the war memorial with swathes of poppies.
Among those to lay a wreath were Droitwich’s Mayor, Councillor Kate Fellows, Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston, Droitwich Spa Town Councillor, George Duffy and many others.
Coun Fellows told the Standard: “I’m very proud of all of the services and people who’ve turned up to support this very special day, even in the rain.
“Today has been probably the biggest turn out of people I’ve ever known and I’m grateful to each and every one of them.”
Following the service, attendees marched alongside the parade down to the Parish Church for a service led again by Revd Handy and her fellow curate, Revd Giles Joiner.
Droitwich Spa Town Councillor Bob Brookes made a poignant remark as the crowds dispersed from their act of remembrance.
He said: “My father told me he stood in three feet of water whilst trying to sleep in the trenches and that is why we stand here today to remember their sacrifice.”
During the church service, Mayor Coun Fellows read a bible excerpt of ‘John 15.9-17’ and Coun Duffy read the poem, ‘The Inquisitive Mind of a Child’.
Coun Duffy told the Standard: “The day is about supporting each other through loss and showing our pride in those who give themselves for others.
“It’s amazing to see the support the people of Droitwich have.”
After the service, representatives from the town council, the Royal British Legion, and the Parish church’s Saltway Team met at the Working Men’s Club to reflect, share refreshments and enjoy a raffle.
Val Humphries, branch chair of the Worcestershire Royal British Legion (RBL) told the Standard: ”For me, today is about remembering those people who have both given their lives and are still serving as well.
“One of my great uncles, Thomas Leonard gave his life fighting for the British Army, something he volunteered to do, as he was Irish.
“Because of that, volunteering is big in our family and today we are remembering his life among others.
“It was so nice to see so many people come out in the cold and rain to show their respects.”
County chair of the Worcestershire RBL, Alan Humphries, told the Standard: “We’re continuing to honour the memories of those who fell in conflict, and those who came back with emotional and physical scars.
“It’s touching to see people gather today to remember those who made that sacrifice.”
