THE ANNUAL Pershore Benefice schools wreath-laying service took place at Pershore Commemorative Garden on Monday (September 7), beginning a week of Remembrance Services which will take place in the town.
Canon Claire Lording led with prayers and the pupils from all seven schools laid their wreaths in honour of all those who served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Representatives from Pershore and District Royal Naval Association and Royal British Legion took part in the service with a wreath on behalf of the veterans being laid by RBL chairman Simon Dudfield, Coun Matthew Winfield, Mayor of Pershore, attended on behalf of the Town Council.
This is the 12th consecutive year the local schools have laid wreaths; ever since the Commemorative Garden was opened in May 2011.
Speaking after the service, Canon Lording said: “It’s always so poignant to see our young community laying their wreaths in their own act of Remembrance to both the Fallen and to all the Veteran Services. I am deeply moved each year by the level of respect they show, doing their parents, schools and our town proud by their impeccable behaviour and diligence to this service.
“It’s quite unique to Pershore to have all of our Benefice schools participate from the ages of eight upwards and it’s a focal point for them to visit throughout the Remembrance period.”
Other Poppy displays in Pershore include a beautiful knitted poppy blanket and reins on the Pershore Warhorse Memorial created by talented town crafters, a wreath on Preaching Cross in honour of our Late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, knitted poppies on the Abbey gates and the weeping window of poppies at St Andrew’s.
The children took the opportunity to see these after their service.
