Remembrance Day in Royston (From the archive)

As I predicted, this was a marvellous service on Sunday at the War Memorial with the Royal British Legion well marshalled as usual. We were lucky to have representatives from the Barracks present. As well as Town Mayor Paul Grimes, it was good to be able to welcome the Chairman of the District Council Allison Ashley and many of our local councillors. Also present was Deputy Lord Lieutenant – and Royston resident – Neville Reyner, who is current National Chairman of the British Chambers of Commerce. Vicar Les Harman conducted the Service as well as ever and Hertford Archdeacon Trevor Jones gave an excellent address pointing out that this was not just a 90th celebration of the end of World War One and a chance to remember the fallen of the two World Wars, but also a time to honour more recent sacrifice and he gave a poignant example from the 1991 Gulf War. I was talking to officers who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Royston did a marvellous job in showing that we do care for and support our armed forces and honour the memory of those who lost their lives serving their country. I thought the Remembrance was very smart and well done and the group of young buglers were excellent too.

It was a very well attended service this year, reflecting our concern for those currently serving overseas.

Sunday’s Remembrance (From the archive)

I am looking forward to Sunday’s Remembrance Service in Royston. It is a time to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of our magnificent armed forces. But in Royston it is also a celebration of our close ties with Bassingbourn barracks. The presence of serving soldiers at the Parade gives the occasion added significance and makes us realise that generation after generation has fought to protect us and make Britain what it is today. As a Royston resident, I always think that our Remembrance Day is very well organised by the Royal British Legion and the Town Council. It is also very well attended and a credit to the Town.

I will be placing my wreath at the Memorial on behalf of all residents of North East Hertfordshire constituency. In other years I attend the Parades at the other three towns of Letchworth Garden City, Baldock and Buntingford. These are always special occasions and I believe that this Sunday will be even more so as we think of our forces in Helmand, Basra and across the World.