Communities Across Bournemouth Come Together to Honour Remembrance Day

Services were held across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as thousands gathered to pay tribute and remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

Residents from across the BCP gathered at memorials, churches and other public spaces over the Remembrance period in tribute to honour those who have fallen.

BCP Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture said: “Remembrance means an awful lot, it’s really important to commemorate it every year, to reflect and to keep the message alive.

“It’s absolutely fundamental we remember the sacrifice of war and the tragedy it brings.

“Remembrance day is a time for our communities to come together in reflection and gratitude as in every city and in every town all people are affected by war.”

The region observed the national two-minute silence on both Remembrance Sunday (9^th November) and Armistice Day (11^th November), with wreaths laid and prayers offered during a series of parades and ceremonies attended by veterans, civic and religious leaders, and local organisations.

At the Bournemouth War Memorial Cenotaph in the Central Gardens, hundreds gathered on Remembrance Sunday to observe a memorial parade led by Salvation Army and BCCF marching bands alongside military representatives, local cadet troops and schools.

Following the parade, the service led by Reverend Canon Nicholas Jepson-Biddle heard a number of local speakers pay tribute before commemorative wreaths were laid.

Former Bournemouth Mayor and Veteran David Kelsey was among the speakers and read from The Italian Memorial to All Who Died.

Remembrance services were also held locally in towns across the BCP, where schools, churches and community groups hosted their own tributes.

Kinson hosted a local service which saw veterans, residents, school children and more attend.

Reverend Dan Westbrook, who hosted the Kinson Remembrance Service said: “In a world that’s so divided, to see everyone draw together as a community recognising grief and the sacrifice made.

“I was struck by that image of unity, it’s quite powerful.”

Reverend Joe Smith, who also spoke at Kinson’s service, said:

“In a country that’s quite divided, Remembrance brings people from all walks of life together.

“Were reminded of the costs of freedom and what people have and are still sacrificing for our peace.”