Veteran and Pupil Lay First Wreath as Staple Hill Remembers
The Staple Hill community came together in large numbers on Remembrance Sunday to honour all those who have served and sacrificed in the defence of our country and our freedoms.
Veterans, serving personnel, standard bearers, uniformed youth groups, schools, community organisations, families and residents joined the annual parade and service, falling silent together to remember the fallen of both World Wars and every conflict since.
One of the most moving moments of the day came when the first wreath was laid jointly by one of the oldest veterans on parade, former RAF serviceman Graham Hitchings, and the youngest child on parade, a pupil from Staple Hill Primary School. Standing side by side at the memorial, the two spanned generations and gave the crowd a powerful reminder that Remembrance is passed from those who served to those who will carry it forward.
"Remembrance Sunday is the most important day in our Branch's year, and today Staple Hill did itself proud. Seeing Graham and one of our youngest residents lay the first wreath together said everything about why we remember. The debt we owe is handed from one generation to the next, and it is clearly in safe hands. My sincere thanks go to Colin and the Staple Hill Salvation Army and their band, our Branch President Cllr Ian Boulton, Ian Campbell, Parade Marshal Andy Workman, Mitch on sound, Paul organising security, and Malcolm and Collette from the Parish Council. Thank you too to our wonderful volunteers, to everyone who took part, and to every resident who came out to pay their respects."
Diane Roberts – Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Parish Council, Chair of the Remembrance Organising Committee
Events of this size take months of planning. The organising committee and a team of volunteers worked behind the scenes on road closures, routes, wreath-layers and support for standard bearers, alongside the police, South Gloucestershire Council and local partners. The Branch thanks everyone who marched, laid a wreath, stood in silence or helped make the day possible.
"Remembrance Sunday is the most important day in our Branch's year, and today Staple Hill did itself proud. Seeing Graham and one of our youngest residents lay the first wreath together said everything about why we remember. The debt we owe is handed from one generation to the next, and it is clearly in safe hands. My sincere thanks go to everyone who took part, to our wonderful volunteers, and to every resident who came out to pay their respects."
Ian Campbell – Chair, Staple Hill & District Branch of the Royal British Legion
The Poppy Appeal continues until Armistice Day on Wednesday 11 November. Donations can be made at rbl.org.uk. If you would like to help with next year's Remembrance events, please get in touch with the Branch, as we are always pleased to welcome new volunteers.
Photographs: Herbie Hocking
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