ORGANISERS of Remembrance services in the Downend area say the number of people coming to pay their respects continues to grow each year.
Hundreds of people took part in the traditional event at Staple Hill, with a parade along the high Street and Broad Street followed by an open air service in Page Park on November 10 to remember those who gave their lives in conflict.
Residents joined veterans, members of uniformed organisations and civic leaders for the event, which for the first time was organised by Staple Hill & Mangotsfield Parish Council.
The parish council worked with the Staple Hill & District branch of the Royal British Legion, the Salvation Army and other groups to make the arrangements.
Parish council chair Ian Campbell said: “We were fortunate to have the support of those with years of experience in organising the event, as well as fresh contributions from new individuals.
“On behalf of the local community, I’d like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who helped bring the event together.
Later in the day a crowd gathered at Mangotsfield’s war memorial in Alec Large Park for a service organised by Mangotsfield Residents Association, St James church and the Royal British Legion.
It was led by MRA chair and community pastor Clive Heath and St James vicar James Cannan.
Clive said: “It was a great attendance again this year, and so good to see many new faces and younger people joining us for a time to remember, to reflect and to show respect for the fallen.
“A big thank you to all who helped and supported us again this year.”
An informal service was also held at the Red Lion and led by Clive, for people who could not attend one of the parades.
Clive said: “Thank you to Neil and his bugle and to Tom for reading his poem, and a big thank you to Mary and all the staff for all their help, not forgetting Nick and team for providing the sound system for both services, as usual.”
THE whole of Mangotsfield School gathered together on the playground for its Act of Remembrance on November 11.
Those gathered heard readings from students including the Exhortation, read by Charlotte Normanton, Flanders Field, read by Lauren Bywater and Epitaph, read by Zoe Grimston Down.
The Last Post was played by Theo Knight, before the two minutes’ silence, which was respectfully observed.
The service was led by head teacher Hetty Blackmore with the school’s student leaders.
REPRESENTATIVES of the Freemasons’ Hambrook Lodge held a service on Armistice Day at the war memorial on Whiteshill Common to pay their respects to those who gave their lives for their country in conflict.
They were joined by a bugler and representatives from nearby Harmony & Concord, Seafarers, and Tyndall lodges, as well as the Gerrard Lodge from Somerset.
Many of those attending had served in uniform.
The lodge, which meets at the Masonic Hall in Stapleton, was originally formed by masons who played for Hambrook Cricket Club, which is based on Whiteshill Common.