Thatcham Remembrance Sunday
As the sun shone, crowds gathered from all over Thatcham to line the route of the Remembrance Day Parade and to witness one of the largest processions that Thatcham has seen in recent years.
The Union Flag was carried and escorted by cadets from the Boys Brigade. The Parade was led by the Town Mayor, Cllr. Lee Dillon , and included Cllr Peter Argyle, Chairman of West Berkshire Council, representatives from the Royal British Legion, soldiers from the Royal School of Military Survey (which had received Freedom of the Town earlier in the year), Berkshire Army Cadet Force, Wessex Ranger Brigade, St. John Ambulance, Thatcham Boys’ Brigade, Thatcham Guides and Brownies and Thatcham Scout Groups. The service was led by Revd Mark Bennet, Team Rector of St. Mary’s and St. Barnabas Churches.
Then at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the two thousand and eleventh year, the Last Post was played and people of all ages became silent to pay tribute to those who had lost their lives in two World Wars and recent conflicts.
Cold Ash Brass provided the music during the procession and at the service at the War Memorial. As hymns were sung, wreaths were laid and there was an air of dignity, poignancy, and pride.
The Guard of Honour was provided by Royal School of Military Survey at the War Memorial. The Parade Marshal, Mr. Andrew Washbrook, with his Assistant Mr. Jeff Tolley, ensured that everything ran smoothly.
