COMMUNITIES across the district joined together on Sunday to honour those who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country.
In Stratford, a procession including service men and women past and present, along with civic dignitaries, paraded along the town centre streets in honour of the fallen.
It proceeded to the Remembrance garden where wreaths were laid and a two-minute silence was held.
A Stratford Town Council spokesperson said: “The town council is responsible for organising the town’s Remembrance commemoration each year, which is always a privilege.
“It was especially heartening to see how the numbers wishing to witness or participate in this act of remembrance had so significantly increased. From the amount of young people in attendance, it is obvious that those who have fallen will never be forgotten for every generation, young and old was represented. The town council is most grateful to all the organisations that come together and work in partnership to provide such a respectful and moving occasion.”
Marshall for the event Philip Coldicott added: “I was proud to help in the Remembrance parade and wear my Royal Observer Corps beret with pride.
“I do this to remember my Grandfather brother Fred Ryman whose name is on the First World War memorial.
“They will not be forgotten.”
Stratford Boat Club paid tribute to former members who had fallen in conflict.
The club’s thoughts were led by club chairman Dawson Curnock, and wreaths were laid at the memorial in the club grounds by the respective youngest and oldest members – Sophie Franklin and Cilin Upchurch.
And, meanwhile in Shipston, tradition met with the 2st century as a big screen installed in the high street was able to reach more people than ever before.
The town council hired the screen to broadcast the service from inside the town’s church, St Edmund’s, which can only fit a few hundred people inside.
Those wishing to pay their respects but who could not enter the church were able to stay in High Street and watch the service safely.
And plenty of people did so, with many returning to High Street after the wreath-laying at the memorial to watch the indoor service.
All Stratford photos kindly provided by Stewart Austin.
