By Si Cliff, Helen Fay, Sam Gillinder,
Glenn Taylor & Noelle Williamson
West Leeds fell silent as people paid their respects to the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Here’s our roundup of some of the services:
Armley
Armley remembered those who lost their lives in war at Sunday’s Remembrance Day service in Armley Park, writes Helen Fay.
More than 150 people gathered at the War Memorial, which had been adorned with a stunning display of poppies created by Hookers and Clickers.
Retired vicar Keith Fraser Smith led a traditional church service of hymns, prayers and the National Anthem.
The University of Leeds Student Union brass band provided music, including a rendition of the Last Post. The boys’ brigade, guides and brownies also took part in the service.
The event was again organised by local brothers Michael & Jonathan Schofield, Armley resident Richard Banks and Keith Fraser Smith.
Bramley
At the Bramley War Memorial, the Union Jack hung at half-mast writes Noelle Williamson. Air cadets, Guides and Scouts flanked the cenotaph, whose handrails were draped once again with handmade poppies.
Rows of seats were set out – on the path for veterans and dignitaries, and up on the grass for Bramley Youth Brass. A sound system was in place, so that every one of the hundreds of people who filled the bottom path from end to end, and out the gates to Moorfields, could follow the service.
The Reverend Julia Wilkins, Rector of Bramley, presided.
The Rev Julia held the microphone as a young girl read from Matthew 5:1-12.
“…Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted… Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy…Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God…Rejoice and be glad…”
In the Rector’s words, “Today we remember the service and contributions of all faiths and nations as we look back and remember… but also look forward in peace.
“May we always remember the sacrifices of the past and commit to building a more just and peaceful future for all.”
Members of the Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities then offered prayers.
There was respectful silence for the laying of small wooden crosses – personal tributes to family members fallen in recent conflicts – before we commemorated “all those from our community who, for the defence of freedom, the cause of peace and the service of others, died in time of war.”
A serving soldier and a cadet spoke Laurence Binyon’s timeless, melancholy words*, “They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them… At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
Then Joelle Braithwaite rose to face the Union Jack and played The Last Post. As the familiar notes unfurled in the cold air, their reflective pace, and the pure tone of the trumpet, stirred emotions and stilled minds. In the two minutes’ silence that followed, that stillness remained.
All eyes now returned to Rev’d Julia, and then to the Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, who laid the first wreath on behalf of The King. Serving soldiers and veterans followed, and representatives of youth and community groups, and political and religious groups from Bramley, Rodley and Stanningley.
Then Rev Julia led The Act of Commitment, asking the assembly: “Will you strive for all that makes for peace? Will you seek to heal the wounds of war? Will you work for a just future for all humanity?” Hundreds of voices murmurred, “We will.”
The service ended with prayer, the singing of the National Anthem, and a blessing – grace for the living, rest for the departed, and unity, peace and concord for all.
Afterwards, as the band played Bingo (the tune) many people made their way to the cenotaph to read the names and messages on the wreaths, or stayed to talk to the Rector or catch up with friends.
By 12.10, Bramley War Memorial was quiet again, but the wreaths and crosses, laid decades after two World Wars, say, “We remember them.”
*Here is For the Fallen, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57322/for-the-fallen by Laurence Binyon, in full. Mr Binyon served as an orderly in the Red Cross during World War I. From 1915 to 1916 he worked in a military hospital in France.
Farnley
There was an incredible turnout once again in Farnley on Remembrance Sunday.
Noel bullock, from New Farnley Cricket Club, was on hand to capture the event.
Farsley
There was an excellent turnout at Farsley Cenotaph on Sunday afternoon. Glenn Taylor Photography and Si Cliff captured the proceedings:
Horsforth
In Horsforth the residents turned out in numbers for the celebration.
The event, organised by the town council, was arranged to start with a Parade March from a specific location and finish at the Cenotaph in the area.
There was a brief interim during the march at a memorial on Stanhope Drive, writes Sam Gillinder.
Jonathan Cain, a clergyman, then delivered a service in remembrance of the loss of the lives of the people who fought for our country and our freedom.
It’s easy to forget these days the seismic contribution that they provided that has had a huge effect on the lives we live today.
There are 76 names represented on the Cenotaph. All of whom lost their lives fighting for our country.
Before the service 16 wreaths were laid to mark the occasion by various organisations including the Royal British Legion, police and the Horsforth Town Council.
Emmie Bromley, a member of the Horsforth Town Council and a city councillor for Horsforth, said she was “really pleased with how today went and the turn out overall, a huge thank you to everyone who came.”
She added: “I want to say thank you for the opportunity to give a reading today and lay a wreath on behalf of our MP [Katie White] on Stanhope Drive.
“I hope everyone has been able to pay their respects in a way that’s felt right for them.”
After the event the people gathered to pay tribute to the bravery of these people while enjoying a coffee.
Kirkstall
The people of Kirkstall came together on Sunday afternoon for a service of Remembrance at Kirkstall Cenotaph.
Here’s a photo of the Cenotaph – decorated with poppies from the Hookers and Clickers group – from WLD reader Stuart Long:
Pudsey
Sunday at Pudsey was attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Professor Adeeba Malik, who laid a wreath.
Glenn Taylor Photography was on hand to capture the parade through Pudsey, the service at Pudsey Parish Church and at Pudsey Cenotaph in Chapeltown.
Sponsored content
