Warminster residents turned out in force for the First World War centenary Remembrance Day service on Sunday, when hundreds gathered at the memorial in Portway.

The service took place following a parade through the town, from Station Road, with Town Crier Phil Seddon and the Salisbury City Band of the Royal British Legion leading the way.

Mayor of Warminster Andrew Davis spoke at the beginning of the service, before laying wreaths along with South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison and the Warminster branch of the Royal British Legion.

Warminster Community Choir and the Warminster Military Wives Choir were also in attendance, to support the congregation’s hymn singing.

Cllr Davis said: “It was a very good day and everything went to plan. We expected a big turnout, because the First World War is very prominent at the moment with the centenary, and we certainly had a big crowd.

“I think it was extra poignant this year, with it being the centenary, and it was significant for me, as one of the names on the memorial was my uncle. It was great to see so many people.”

 

IT was standing room only as Melksham remembered those who lost their lives in warfare.
The town’s Remembrance parade saw hundreds of people come out to pay their respects to lost service personnel.


The parade began at the King Street car park and made its way along to St Michael and All Angels Church for the packed-out service.

Poignant moment in Melksham


Mayor Terri Welch said: “I spoke to a couple of people and they said they had to stand in the church because it was so full. It was brilliant. We are so lucky with it, having the perfect setting and the attendance was better than in previous years.


“There was a real feeling of continuity and I felt it was more poignant.”
After the service, the procession headed to the war memorial to lay wreaths.