Crowds line Melton’s streets for annual Remembrance Sunday parade

Crowds lined the streets of Melton town centre yesterday (Sunday) to watch the traditional Remembrance Sunday parade and pay their respects to fallen members of the armed forces and honour those who have served and continue to serve.
The Remembrance Sunday parade pass down Leicester Street in Melton on Sunday EMN-191111-103201001The Remembrance Sunday parade pass down Leicester Street in Melton on Sunday EMN-191111-103201001
The Remembrance Sunday parade pass down Leicester Street in Melton on Sunday EMN-191111-103201001

Crowds again lined the streets of the town centre last weekend to watch the traditional procession, which formed in Chapel Street before setting off and passing along Sage Cross Street, Sherrard Street, Market Place and Leicester Street before heading to St Mary’s Church for a service of remembrance.

The parade then re-formed and made its way to Memorial Gardens where wreaths were layed, the Last Post was sounded and a service was held.

Mark Whitehead, who organised the parade, told the Melton Times: “While organising this year’s event, I was unsure if the attendance to the parade and church service would match last year’s centenary.

The Remembrance Sunday wreath-layers in Memoral Gardens in Melton EMN-191111-103246001The Remembrance Sunday wreath-layers in Memoral Gardens in Melton EMN-191111-103246001
The Remembrance Sunday wreath-layers in Memoral Gardens in Melton EMN-191111-103246001

“But how wrong I was as the crowds were bigger than ever from the start of Sherrard Street to the Market Place.

“All of the 1,000 seats in the church were full, with people standing.

“It just shows how important the day is to the people of Melton.

“This was the seventh event I have organised and I am still overwhelmed by the support of the town, young and old.”

The Last Post is sounded by Stephen Wilson in Memorial Gardens on Remembrance Sunday in Melton EMN-191111-103319001The Last Post is sounded by Stephen Wilson in Memorial Gardens on Remembrance Sunday in Melton EMN-191111-103319001
The Last Post is sounded by Stephen Wilson in Memorial Gardens on Remembrance Sunday in Melton EMN-191111-103319001

Taking part this year in the event were serving army and RAF personnel from the town’s Defence Army Training Regiment (DATR), along with their dogs and horses.

There were also stong numbers of air cadets, Scouts and Guides representing the youth of the town.

Mmbers of the Melton branch of the Royal British Legion also marched alongside representatives of the RAF Association, RAVC Association, St John Ambulance and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

Melton Borough Council, Melton Town Estate, Leicestershire Police, Melton Lions and the town’s Rotary Clubs were also represented.

The Remembrance Sunday parade pass down Leicester Street in Melton EMN-191111-103212001The Remembrance Sunday parade pass down Leicester Street in Melton EMN-191111-103212001
The Remembrance Sunday parade pass down Leicester Street in Melton EMN-191111-103212001

The Salute was taken in Market Place was taken by the Commanding officer DATR, Lt Col Thompson, and Col Hurwood, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire.

Mr Whitehead added: “Again this year it was very welcoming to see large numbers of local veterans who are not part of local groups but who just wanted to march to be part of Remembrance Sunday.

“The parade was led by Melton Town Band who did another great job.”

Organisers would like to thank Rotary Club members for again marshalling the parade and Crouch Recovery, which provided the parade escort vehicles.

Related topics: