Many turn out to pay war tribute

The turnout was excellent at Evesham's Remembrance Day parade last Sunday, organised by the town council. And more than 30 wreaths were laid at the war memorial.

Evesham mayor Frances Smith said: "We were very pleased to see so many people in the parade, and spectators, to honour the brave men and women who died for their country in the world wars."

Jeff King, chairman of Evesham branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "It was a lovely day even though it was a bit nippy. There were many more in attendance than last year, including veterans who came from Malvern and Worcester. We were particularly pleased to see such a good turnout from the youth groups including Evesham Sea and Army cadets."

Pershore mayor Chris Parsons said: "We had an excellent parade on a bright, crisp Sunday morning and there were about 20 to 30 wreaths laid at our war memorial. The Abbey was packed."

Ken Jefferies, chairman of Pershore branch of the Legion, said: "We thank everyone very much for turning out. We should never forget what these people did for us."

Members of the Stow branch were equally delighted with the numbers turning up. Chairman Derek Arthurs said: "It was the biggest turnout we've seen for many a long year. Two Chelsea pensioners in jeeps were at the front of our parade."

He said special praise should go to all the young people who took part, including Brownies and Cubs. "We had to send out for more chairs for the church," he added.

The top class, year six at Dormer House School in Moreton, attended. The younger pupils celebrated Armistice Day last Friday by dressing up in period costume and reading poems. Head teacher Alison Thomas said: "We remembered those who suffered in the Great War. The children studied original sources in their history lessons and read a selection of war poems. This moved them to write poignant letters, diary entries and poems for our Remembrance assembly."

Pershore High School students and staff also held a Remembrance service at their school last Thursday, particularly for former pupils and staff who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

It was attended by staff and Royal British Legion members. Head teacher Clive Corbett said: "It's important to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for us."

Sedgberrow branch of the Royal British Legion held its service at St Peter's church at Hinton-on-the-Green last Sunday. The names of the fallen were read by the branch president, Gilbert Daffurn, and he and the women's section president Teresa Holder laid wreaths at the remembrance plaque in the church porch.

Willersey First School pupils planted poppies and crosses last Thursday at St Peter's Church and pupils at Badsey First School took part in a service at the school last Friday.

He said special praise should go to all the young people who took part, including Brownies and Cubs. "We had to send out for more chairs for the church," he added.

The top class, year six at Dormer House School in Moreton, attended. The younger pupils celebrated Armistice Day last Friday by dressing up in period costume and reading poems.

Head teacher Alison Thomas said: "We remembered those who suffered in the Great War. The children studied original sources in their history lessons and read a selection of war poems. This moved them to write poignant letters, diary entries and poems for our Remembrance assembly."

Pershore High School students and staff also held a Remembrance service at their school last Thursday, particularly for former pupils and staff who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

It was attended by staff and Royal British Legion members. Head teacher Clive Corbett said: "It's important to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for us."

Sedgberrow branch of the Royal British Legion held its service at St Peter's church at Hinton-on-the-Green last Sunday.

The names of the fallen were read by the branch president, Gilbert Daffurn, and he and the women's section president Teresa Holder laid wreaths at the remembrance plaque in the church porch.

Willersey First School pupils planted poppies and crosses last Thursday at St Peter's Church and pupils at Badsey First School took part in a service at the school last Friday.