Remembrance Sunday in Shipston

Shipston residents turned out in great numbers to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Remembrance Parade, led by Shipston Town Band and members of the Royal British Legion, included civic dignitaries and representatives from the Cubs, Scouts, Beavers, Brownies, St John’s Ambulance, Shipston High School, Shipston Community First Responders, Rotary, Lions, Police and Ambulance services and other community groups.

Following the Parade, wreaths were laid at the Town’s War Memorial before the Remembrance Service took place at St Edmund’s Church. Reverend Daniel Pulham from Stour Valley Baptist Church shared his own family’s story about the loss of his great Uncle, and the impact of that loss on his Great Grandparents. The congregation also heard about the life of Ernest Webb, one of Shipston’s fallen soldiers from WW2, while the names of all those from the town who lost their lives in the two World Wars were read out by senior prefects from Shipston High School.

Lt Col David Kernohan, President of the Shipston Branch of the Royal British Legion, announced that Richard Adams intends to step down as Chairman of the RBL and Poppy Appeal Organiser at the end of this current term, making this year’s Remembrance the last Richard will be responsible for. Spontaneous applause followed, in recognition of the considerable contribution Richard has made to the Royal British Legion, Remembrance events and the Annual Poppy Appeal.

Many residents also turned out on Monday 11th November – Armistice Day - to mark the Two Minutes’ Silence.