Remembrance Service and Parade

Remembrance Service and Parade – Sunday 14th November 2021

Station Road, Birchington

Good Afternoon everyone,

I am very happy to announce that this year’s Remembrance Service and Parade has been given the go-ahead.

The format will be the same as per previous years before the dreaded COVID stopped everything in its tracks. This isn’t to say that we are a COVID free populous, far from it. If you are vulnerable and feel the need to attend, please beware that there are many others in attendance so please take the appropriate measures to protect yourself.

Timings:

10:15 – 10:30hrs – All Parade attendees to gather in Alpha Road Car Park. Youth groups will have a Steward allocated for guidance.

10:30 – 10:45hrs – Parade forms up – General Brief from the Parade Marshal

10:45hrs – 10:55hrs – Parade moves out of Alpha Road Car Park, up Station Road to the Square. The Parade will be halted and youth organisations will be moved in front of the adult groups.

10:55 – 11:20hrs – Service of Remembrance.

1. It is expected that people will start gathering at the graveyard entrance area around 10:30hrs. The Birchington Silver Band will be seated nearby, in front of the Powell Arms.
2. 10:45hrs to 10:55 hrs the Church bells will be rung. The Chairman BPC, The Chairman RBL, Reverend Mark Ham and the bugler will be positioned at the War Memorial.
3. The standard bearers for BPC and RBL will be positioned either side of the War Memorial.
4. The Parade Marshal will take up position near the War Memorial entrance.
5. 10:59 hrs the Last Post will be played at the War Memorial, a 2-minute silence will begin with the Exhortation and end with the Kohima Epitaph and Reveille.
6. The Chaplain with give a short reading and hold prayers. This will be followed by the laying of wreaths by the Chairman BPC/RBL who will then leave with the Chaplain via the front gate, followed by VIPs, Council members, and various dignitaries, then, serving members, Veteran Associations and then anyone else that is laying a wreath.
7. Poppy Crosses can be placed on the 8 x Commonwealth War Graves at any time - as indeed can wreaths at the War Memorial (after the service).
8. The gates to the War Memorial will remain open from 1100 - 1800 hrs.

11:20 – 12:00hrs – Parade moves to All Saints Church for Service.

12:05 – 12:20hrs – Parade moves to Albion Road carpark paying respects to War Memorial en route

12:20 – 12:30hrs Parade disperses – Roads open – All youth organisations and guardians, stewards etc are invited to refreshments at the Village Centre, Alpha Road once dispersed.

Mick Heywood

BPC/RBL Parade Marshal