VILLAGES across Redditch and the surrounding areas held their own Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday parades, services and events over the weekend.
Wythall
This year’s Wythall Remembrance event on Sunday began with a service at St Mary’s Church, before the parade to the War Memorial on Gorsey Lotts, Alcester Road.
Kings Norton Youth Marching Band led the parade, alongside Scouts, Beavers, Cubs, Brownies and representatives from the Armed Forces, Wythall Parish Council and Worcestershire County Council.
More than 100 people attended the event, with many saying it was the biggest turn-out they had seen in recent years.
A Kings Norton Youth Marching Band spokesperson said: “The band was once again proud to lead the Royal British Legion Wythall Remembrance Parade to pay our respects at the annual service.”
Studley
Studley residents thronged the streets of the village to pay their respects to those who had died or were wounded in conflicts past and present.
More than 25 wreaths were laid at the War Memorial in Alcester Road and the names of the fallen were read out.
Local church leaders took the service at the ancient Methodist Church.
One of the organisers, Phil Hunt, said: “It was wonderful to see the local community taking part in the annual parade once again.
“Thank you for all who had worked so hard to organise the event, which went off without a hitch.”
Alcester
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Alcester last Sunday to watch the annual Remembrance Parade.
Despite the rain, crowds looked on as the parade marched from Gashouse Lane before finishing at St Nicholas’ Church where the service began.
Led by the Victoria Silver Band, the line-up included local dignitaries, Scouts, Cubs, Rainbows, members of the Royal British Legion, along with servicemen and women who marched up to the church in the town centre where an outdoor service was led by Rev Katie Cross.
David Malin, Alcester Royal British Legion secretary, said: “It was a fantastic turnout, probably one of the biggest parades we’ve had. It’s so important to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Astwood Bank
Despite the weather the turn out for the Astwood Bank Remembrance Parade was excellent again this year
The parade led by the band of 216 (Redditch) Squadron Air Cadets included members of the Royal British Legion and veterans, the Air Cadets, the Army Cadets and Astwood Bank Scouting and Girl Guiding
The services at the church and memorial included readings and prayers from the uniformed youth organisations and the stories behind 2 of the soldiers on the memorial , researched and presented by pupils from Ridgeway Secondary School
