Islanders stood side by side and fell silent on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War over 100 years ago.
Remembrance Sunday services took place in towns and villages across the Isle of Wight yesterday with Last Post and Reveille heard resonating throughout the streets.
The main service took place in Newport’s St Thomas’ Square. It is here that dignitaries were joined by hundreds of local residents to pay their respects to those who fought for our freedom. A 2-minute silence was marked by the firing of maroons from the top of Newport Fire Station.
In Ryde a possession, led by the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, made its way from Newport Street to All Saints’ Church where a short service took place led by Rev Howard Barker and a special peal of the bells rang out.
After the service the parade reformed under the control of the Ryde RBL parade Marshal Mr Terry Clarkson, then made its way down to the war memorial in Lind Street. Here the act of Remembrance at 11:00 was observed with the parade marshal giving the exhortation and Kohima and Miss Denise Tizard from the Wight Diamonds played the Last Post and Reveille, the standards dipped in salute.
The wreath laying was led by Cllr Charles Chapman, Mayor of Ryde Cllr Malcolm Ross and Mr Brian Harris (RBL).
After the parade Terry Clarkson, who was marking his last parade at Ryde, said:
“I am overwhelmed with the sheer number of people, both young and old, who turned out to mark this most special of centenaries. The area around the war memorial was packed with people standing 4-5 deep”.
Lake’s Service of Remembrance was attended by around 120 people. The service was led by Rev. Frances Watson of Lake Methodist Church and Cllr Susan Horton, Chairman of Lake Parish Council. Lance Corporal Osborne from the Royal Military Police attended along with 3 Troop Sandown Attachment Cadet Force, 1st Lake Brownies and Guides, Councillors and representatives of other local organisations.
Information and some photos of the men who died in WW1 and are named on Lake’s War Memorial were displayed and this will be in the Church of the Good Shepherd for the next two weeks.
