THE TOWER of Pershore Abbey was dramatically illuminated in red from Saturday to Monday evening to mark the national period of Remembrance that honours members of the Armed Forces who have died in the line of duty.
On Remembrance Sunday, the community including veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces, dignitaries, political representatives, and youth groups had come together for a Service of Remembrance at Pershore Abbey.
Pershore Abbey after the Remembrance Day service. Picture -Pershore Abbey
This was preceded by a large parade throughout the town that started at 10.10am and arrived at the abbey at 10.40am for a service led by Revd Canon Claire Lording.
The end of the two-minute silence was marked by a poppy drop from the abbey tower at 11am.
Following the service, the parade assembled once more and marched back through the town, where the salute was taken by Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Louise Hewett outside the town hall.
All three cadet forces were on show, along with Pershore Brownies, St John Ambulance, Royal British Legion and Royal Navy Association members.
Pershore Abbey tower stands illuminated for Remembrance. Picture – Pershore Abbey
The Canadian Embassy was represented by Captain Anthony Nero of the Canadian Air Force who also laid a wreath at Pershore Cemetery, the site of 72 Commonwealth war graves, half of which representing Canadian airmen who died in the area during the Second World War.
Vice chair of Pershore and District Royal British Legion, Simon Dudfield, said: “The weather turned out very favourable, and hence the community support was better than average.
“It was a fantastic parade, the likes of which could not take place at all, without the support of all our volunteer helpers.”
Armistice Day (Monday, November 11) was marked with a further service organised by Pershore RBL at the Cross of Sacrifice in Pershore Cemetery. Wreaths were laid at the cross by members of RBL, the Canadian Air Force and St John Ambulance.
Armistice service at Pershore Cemetery. Photo – Pershore Abbey
There was also a Pershore Schools Armistice wreath laying service at the Commemorative Garden at 10am. This was attended by a number of children from local primary schools who all laid wreaths.
Pupils attended the Pershore Schools Armistice wreath laying service at the Commemorative Garden. Picture – Pershore Abbey
Those who attended the service with the Rev Canon Claire Lording were from Abbey Park First School, Abbey Park Middle School, Cherry Orchard Primary School and Holy Redeemer Primary School.
