The band were very proud to lead the remembrance procession from Long Street to the Cenotaph in Middleton today.
At 10.30 we struck up with ‘Westward Ho!’ to lead the parade through the town. There was an excellent turn out by the people of Middleton who lined the streets as the band and other representatives including members of the Legion, dignitaries, uniformed groups such as guides and scouts, Army and Navy cadets, Marines and veterans from various conflicts marched through the town centre.
It was a beautiful day for the service and amazing to see the hundreds of people packing the remembrance gardens, coming together to pay their respects to our fallen heroes.
The service began just before 11 with the Hymn ‘All creatures that on earth do dwell.’ At 11 o’clock Bryce Ford, our principal cornet, played the ‘Last Post’ to mark the start of the 2 minutes silence. A sombre moment indeed.
After the laying of wreathes the Reverend Cannon Nick Feist gave a thought provoking address before the gathered crowd sang the hymns ‘O Valiant Hearts’ and ‘O God our Help in Ages Past.’
At the end of the service the band led the parade back into the town centre, marching off to ‘Colonel Bogey.’
The band would like to thank the players, supporters and members of public who stepped in to help when one of our Euphonium players, Frank, was suddenly taken severely ill during the ‘Last Post.’ It was a difficult time for the band who were very worried about Frank but had to carry on with the service whilst he was receiving help from bystanders and then treatment from the paramedics.
Frank has been in touch this evening to send his sincere thanks to those who helped him and to tell us he is home and feeling much better.
The band send our best wishes to Frank and hope he continues to make a full and swift recovery.
The band also send best wishes to the other people who were suddenly taken ill or overcome during the service.