Ashington’s Remembrance Day Parade and Service took place yesterday (Sunday 11 November).
This year’s event had added poignancy given the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I.
The day commenced at 6.00am as Ashington Piper, Mr Jim Reid, marked the official signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germans to end World War I in the Ashington Memorial Garden. More than a thousand pipers across the country marked this event.
The Ashington Parade took place from the Royal British Legion, on North Seaton Road, along Station Road to the Ashington Memorial Garden on Kenilworth Road.
The Remembrance Day Service in the Ashington Memorial Garden drew one of the biggest attendances in recent memory and was led by the Reverend Michael Hedley with music provided by the Ashington Colliery Band.
Reverend Judith Grieve, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, was in attendance supported by Wansbeck MP Mr Ian Lavery, the Civic Head of Ashington Cllr. Marjorie Chambers and other local civic dignitaries.
Mrs Gloria Leitch, of the Royal British Legion said ‘We are delighted at the number of people who joined us for the Parade and Service. The Ashington Memorial Garden provides an ideal setting for the Service and the large numbers demonstrate the genuine pride and respect the Ashington community has for members of our Armed Forces past and present’.
The Service was organised by Ashington Branch of the Royal British Legion with support from Ashington Town Council and we thank everyone who made the event has success. We particularly appreciate the support of Northumberland County Council and Ashington Camera Club who photographed the occasion.
The traditional Remembrance Day Service also took place at St. Andrew’s Church, in Bothal, led by the Rev. John Park.