A beautiful crisp, cloudless morning dawned on this year’s Sunday of remembrance of The Great War held at St Chad’s  Church, Shrewsbury.  The centenary Remembrance was attended by a huge crowd who witnessed the Parade to the Church, which consisted of members of the Council, The Mayor, Aldermen, Magistrates, Senior members of the Armed Forces, Police Force, and Fire Service, the Coroner, dignitaries, including the High Sheriff, as well as representatives of local councils. The procession, led by the Brass Band,  left the Castle and processed through town to St Chads where it was welcomed by the Vicar of St Chad’s, The Reverend Mark Chadwick.

A most moving service commemorating a hundred years since the end of WW1 was held before a large congregation, with readings by The Mayor, Councillor Beverley Baker, and Group Captain A P T Smith, MA RAF.  The sermon was given by The Rev. (Wing Commander) Alastair Bissell, RAF. ‘Prayers for the World’ was led by the Rev. Mark Chadwick.

Following the service the Mayoral Party and then the Parade Troops  processed to the War Memorial in the Quarry Park, where the Rev. Mark Chadwick led the Wreath laying service before the huge crowd that had turned out especially for this memorable occasion. Special thoughts and attention was given to those families who had lost members in the wars, leading right up to Afghanistan, where children were there proudly wearing the medals of their father.  At 10.58 a.m. the Buglers sounded Last Post during which time the Standards were dipped. At exactly 11 a.m. a two minutes silence was held.

Following the Silence the Wreath laying began, The Mayor being the first to lay her Wreath, followed by the High Sheriff, and then the various Services. as well as the MP and Coroner. The end of the Ceremony was marked by a March Past of Ex-Service Men’s and Women’s Associations, St Johns Ambulance Brigade etc as well as the various Detachments and Military Units who marched passed the Mayor and Senior dignitaries standing at the Saluting Dias opposite the Church of St Chad’s.

It was a poignant ceremony which the assembled crowds were able to participate in, taking in the sombre, respectful mood, that was deeply tangible on this most perfect autumnal morning,