THEY CAME out in their hundreds, with one aim in mind: to pay their respects.
Reading gathered around the Forbury Memorial on Sunday for a short remembrance service, complete with a two-minute silence to honour those who gave their lives in armed conflicts.
The morning’s events started with a church service at Reading Minster.
Scripture readings were given by James Puxley, Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Major Robert Whittle, OC C (Berkshire) Company, 7th Battalion, The RIFLES, and the Mayor of Reading, Cllr David Stevens.
As people left the church, the 7 Rifles formed up in St Mary’s Butts to lead a civic parade through Broad Street and into The Forbury.
In the procession were members of The Waterloo Band and the Rifles’ buglers, as well as dignitaries, councillors, Scouts and other uniformed organisations.
After the two-minute silence, a number of wreaths were laid by veterans, serving personnel, councillors, Reading East MP Matt Rodda, among others.
In a post on social media after the event, outgoing mayor Cllr Stevens said: “The Borough of Reading remembered the fallen with a full service at Reading Minster.
“The parade to the Cenotaph in the Forbury was followed with another service and a two minute silence.
“As Mayor I would like to thank everyone who came this morning to pay their respects. ‘Lest We Forget’.”
At the same time, there were similar gatherings across the borough in churches and in communities.
One of the largest was in Tilehurst, attended by deputy mayor Cllr Rachel Eden.
The Salvation Army band played at this, while Scouts, Beavers, Guides and Sea Cadets joined in with a parade from The Triangle to the Royal British Legion base in Downing Road.
It is not the only event held by Tilehurst residents for the Legion’s appeal. On Thursday, November 11, they asked people to donate small change to make a poppy with.
In all, they raised £1,187.15.
And the Turn Tilehurst Red campaign challenged people to create Remembrance-themed displays.
