Remembrance Sunday 2009

Remembrance Sunday - Tyldesley Branch

Tyldesley Branch of The Royal British Legion formed up on Tyldesley Market square at 10.15am. Parade Marshall Mr Keith Houghton MBE had everyone lined up for the march to Tyldesley Cemetery where the Tyldesley Cenotaph is. The parade was lead by Tyldesley Prize Brass Band, who incidently have been in existence for over 100 years and have played in the parade for as long as anyone can remember.

Along with members of the branch, members of the public also marched behind the four Standards we had on parade - Legion Branch Standard, RN Ensign, Union flag, RAF Standard. Following the standards we had 2 serving RN personnel, 1 Military Police and 2 RAF serving members who laid the wreaths: 1 for WWI and 1 for WWII and the Legion wreath.

We had at the least 350 people in our parade, including Legion members, townpeople, scouts, girl guides and brownies. St John, RAOB were represented and of course the local councillors. When we arrived at the Cenotaph we were met by more members of the public who actually live closer. Possibly in excess of 400 people attended, which we find is quite normal for Tyldesley who do turn out in force and support the town and our fallen comrades.

As Secretary, I visit the war graves in our cemetery each year and place a poppy cross at each one. On the evening of the Rememberance service a band concert was held at the Formby Hall in Atherton and I attended taking our Branch Standard. I paraded the Standard to the front of the stage and everyone stood whilst I placed it. On ending the concert I received it and marched to the back of the hall to the Pomp  & Circumstance March. A number of people thanked me for attending and thought it was a nice touch. A donation of £50 was given to us from the concert and was placed in the poppy fund.

Our standards were carried by the following:

Branch Standard: Mr Ian Mountford TA
RAF Standard: Russell Shurgold, currently serving in the RAF Regiment.
RN Ensign: Mr J P Henry, ex WO2, 59 Commando/Royal Engineers
Union Flag: Mr G Julien, Royal Artillary(Ex)