Remembrance Sunday Parade 2015

Members of the Loftus Parish community were joined by the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire for the annual keeping of Remembrance Day on Sunday 8th November 2015.

The Parade enters Loftus Market Place
The Parade enters Loftus Market Place

The commemorations began with a moving Requiem Mass for the War Dead in Saint Leonard’s Parish Church Loftus at nine o’clock, a service which was followed by the annual Parade from Loftus Town Hall to the War Memorial in Loftus Market Place for eleven o’clock.

The community gathered at Loftus War Memorial 08/11/15
The community gathered at Loftus War Memorial 08/11/15

Despite the threat of rain and the gusty wind, another record crowd of ex-service personnel, uniformed organisations, residents and visitors gathered for the annual Act of Remembrance.

Vetrans prepare to lay their wreaths at Loftus War Memorial
Vetrans prepare to lay their wreaths at Loftus War Memorial

The Rector led the service at the War Memorial and was assisted by Father Keith Atherley, by Father Simon Broughton the Roman Catholic Priest for Loftus, and the local Methodist Minister The Revd Barrie Morris.

The Ccergy Gather for a photograph at the conclusion of the parade
The clergy gather for a photograph at the conclusion of the parade

This year a record number of forty-nine poppy wreaths were laid at Loftus War Memorial during the Act of Remembrance as the community once again honoured the war dead and prayed for peace.

The Rector and Mayor speak with the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorskhire
The Rector and Mayor speak with the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire

The Rector said, “Despite the inclement weather, once again the community in Loftus has pulled together to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  I wish to thank members of the Remembrance Sunday Planning Committee, members of the Royal British Legion and all who have contributed in making this year’s event the moving and poignant event it has been.  We have remembered them!”

Photography by Simon Gaunt