Borough Council leads town centre remembrance events
Residents are invited to join the Mayor and councillors in Newcastle-under-Lyme to honour and remember members of the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives in military service.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council plays a leading role in organising annual events in Newcastle town centre on Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day.
A church service – involving forces representatives, local organisations and other civic guests – is being held at St. Giles’ Church, Newcastle, on Sunday, 9 November at 10am.
The pipes and drums of the Black Watch Association once again lead a parade from Queens Gardens at 9.35am.
A wreath laying ceremony and the act of remembrance, including a two-minute silence, takes place at the war memorial in Red Lion Square at 11am. Spectators should assemble behind the barriers on the opposite side of the cenotaph, by the Art of Siam restaurant.
The Mayor will take the salute at the top of Castle Walk as the parade makes its way back to Queens Gardens through the Ironmarket.
Council Leader Simon Tagg said:
The remembrance events in the town centre are always well supported. I hope that everyone can join us once again, 80 years after the end of the Second World War in Europe, as we commemorate the courage and sacrifice of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women – including many borough residents – who served, and continue to serve, our country.
Their bravery has secured the freedoms we enjoy today and it is our duty to ensure their legacy lives on. I’ve organised for the poppy hoarding to be reinstated next to the cenotaph to create a fitting backdrop to these important and deeply meaningful occasions. The poppy is a well-known symbol and worn as a show of support for the armed forces community.”
A second wreath laying ceremony, and act of remembrance, takes place at the war memorial at 11am on Tuesday, 11 November.