On a beautiful, mild November morning, nine members of the Southport Group gathered at Southport Masonic Hall at 10am before making their way to the Royal British Legion Hub on Wesley Street to take part in Southport’s annual Remembrance Parade.
Joining fellow members of the armed forces, veterans and cadets, the group assembled ready to march in tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts past and present.
Once again, Iain Brown took charge of the group, ensuring everyone was smartly turned out and keeping the parade in step as they set off from Wesley Street.
The procession made its way along Tulketh Street and Chapel Street, where it was joined by the Navy’s Marching Band, before continuing towards the Cenotaph on London Road.
The pleasant weather provided a fitting backdrop as those assembled paused to remember and pay their respects to the fallen. During the service, the group chairman, Phil Stock, laid a wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph on behalf of all the lodges and chapters within the Southport Group and Dennis Jackson laid a wreath on behalf of NARPO (National Association of Retired Police Officers.)
Although fewer brethren attended than in previous years, others took part in different parts of the procession, Jamie Tyrer, for example, proudly took part as a standard bearer.
Following the Remembrance ceremony, the group rejoined the procession as it continued along Lord Street towards Southport Town Hall. Along the route, members of the public warmly cheered and supported the parade before it arrived at the Town Hall, where several dignitaries were waiting to receive it.
With the formal proceedings completed, the obligatory photographs were taken, capturing another memorable occasion for the Southport Group.
Members were then free to meet up with family, friends and colleagues to reflect on the morning and raise a toast to a successful event.
Once again, the Southport Group was proud to play its part in this important annual occasion, standing alongside the wider community to honour the courage, service and sacrifice of all those who gave their lives in the service of our country. Lest we forget.
Article by Robert Thornton-Davidson.