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Thursday, November 18, 2021

Newbury Weekly News

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Remembrance Sunday in Newbury People turn out in their hundreds to pay their respects and commemorate those who lost their lives in conflict

By CHARLIE MASTERS charlie.masters@newburynews.co.uk @charliem_nwn

THE people of Newbury filled the town centre on Sunday to join the nation in commemorating those who lost their lives in war. Last year, public commemo- rations were limited as a result of coronavirus restrictions, with people told to remember from home and at small, pri- vate services. Hundreds gathered in Mar- ket Place for a service that was attended by MP Laura Farris and mayor Billy Drummond, as well as members of the Roy- al British Legion (RBL) New- bury branch. Club president Ken War- burton said: “It’s all about re- membrance and it’s one day a year – the Newbury public, in the main, support our parades. “It’s the main event of the year for us and what we want to do really, is promote our or- ganisation and the work that we do to help servicemen and women and their dependants.” Service personnel were joined by cadets from local schools for the march through town, which drew applause from the public. The service in Market Place was led by Newbury RBL chap- lain the Rev Keri Eynon. Local RBL chair Chris Green gave the Exhortation , while the Kohima Epitaph was read by David Glover, also from the Newbury Legion. Mr Glover’s father, Ronald Glover, was a veteran of the Far East campaign of the Sec- ond World War and chairman of the Newbury branch of the Burma Star Association. Following the event, many of those who attended the ser- vice proceeded to St Nicolas Church for a memorial ser- vice. This included the singing of hymns, as well as sermons, readings and speeches from pastoral staff. The Rev Jackie Fountain,

Market Place in Newbury fell silent as hundreds gathered to pay their respects

while emphasising the signif- icance of Remembrance Sun- day as an occasion for mourn- ing, said: “It’s also a time to let these remembrances inspire us, to deepen our commitment to making peace in our own day. “As we remember, we re- member the list of names on the war memorial in our town – not just a list of names, but each name represents an indi- vidual.

“Each of these people has their story. “This week, I took time to read through some of their 333 stories, which have been care- fully gathered and archived and put on the West Berkshire War Memorial site. “Each one a different story – people from all walks of life, different families and back- grounds, who fought in differ- ent battles and countries. “And, yes, each made the

ultimate sacrifice, and left be- hind a grieving family.” After the main events, a gathering was held at the RBL club, with invited families and friends of the local branch, alongside veterans and armed services personnel. Among those present was Hugh Mannerings, who – alongside his wife Helen – had laid out a special display, fea- turing poppies and a model cenotaph.

Mr Mannerings’ father John started creating these tributes every Remembrance Day around 40 years ago with young Hugh’s help. After Mr Mannerings senior died, his son kept up the tradi- tion. He said: “Those that are fighting in today’s conflicts, and those that have fought in the past – they thoroughly deserve these memorials and tributes, because, without

them, we might not even be here. “It’s an honour and privi- lege to do it.” The district observed the national silence at 11am, and wreaths were laid at war me- morials. Traditional proces- sions drew in both veterans and civilians alike in That- cham, Hungerford and the villages of West Berkshire and north Hampshire – reports on the following pages.

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