It was a great joy that, after an absence of a few years thanks to COVID restrictions, so many turned out to join the Remembrance Day ceremonies and service. First a good crowd, including many representing uniformed organisations, youth groups and the school gathered in silence round the War Memorial. There, in an act of worship led by Revd Jenny Hill, the Last Post was sounded, the names of the fallen were read and wreaths were laid.Immediately afterwards, many moved into St Mary and All Saints Church for an all-age service that mixed tradition with some more modern touches. Younger children were catered for with appropriate craft activities in the Octagon during the address, organised by those who lead the regular Acorns and Oaks children's church. They returned at the end of the more formal service to lead a contemporary song that they had learned in school, called "We will Remember". It was very special when the adults in the congregation joined in too. The National Anthem was sung, people having to remember to sing "King" and no longer "Queen" and standards were carried and presented.Canon Jan Payne (Licensed Lay Minister) gave an address based on the theme of remembering and talked about some of the people behind the names that had been read out at the War Memorial, and the individual and family sacrifices that had been made. At the end refreshments were served before people made their way home. Our thanks to everyone who joined us for these services, not least the many young people in uniforms, their leaders and the school representatives.
