Remembrance Sunday this year will see a range of commemorative events in Bridport to mark the centenary of the end of WWI.
Bridport’s annual Remembrance Parade and Service on Sunday 11 November will as usual mark the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in war. The event, organised by Bridport Town Council, Parade Commander Brigadier John Dean, Rev Pete Stone of Bridport Team Ministry and others on behalf of the Bridport Branch of the Royal British Legion, will commence with a parade through the town centre by representatives of HM Armed Forces and local groups with links to the military.
Accompanied by the Wessex Military Band, the parade will move off from East Street at approximately 10.40am following inspection by the Town Mayor, Cllr Barry Irvine. The Mayor will lead the Parade and will then lay a wreath as part of the ceremony and observance of the traditional two minute silence at the War Memorial. This will be followed by the Church Service at St Mary’s Church. For people who do not wish to attend the service, Councillor Anne Rickard will host a secular time of reflection on Bucky Doo Square.
Remembrance Sunday this year will feature additional events marking 100 years since the end of WWI. During the afternoon, a special tea will served to some 90 relatives of people named on the War Memorial. This event will also include the unveiling of a commemorative memorial plaque and clock at the Town Hall.
At 6.15pm outside the Town Council offices (Mountfield, Rax Lane), soup will be served by the Bridport Local Food Group, accompanied by a performance of period music by Chris Deacon and his band.
From 6.45pm on Coneygar Hill, as part of the national commemoration, the Town Crier will give the ‘National Town Crier’ cry, and Mrs Anne Stone will play The Last Post. This will be followed at 7.00pm by the lighting of a beacon on the hilltop.
Throughout the day the ‘Poppy Rope’ made by local schools and organisations will feature
in Bucky Doo Square. This will complement the ‘silent soldier’, who can be seen on the
west wall of the Town Hall.
Around Bridport, commemorative cards will be displayed in the windows of homes
previously inhabited by people named on the War Memorial
Town Centre road closures will be in place for the parade from 10.30am until 1.00pm.
