
OVER 500 people turned out for Melksham’s remembrance parade on Sunday to join people across the country in honouring all those who have died in conflicts.
The annual parade began at King Street car park shortly before 3pm and marched through the town centre to St Michael and All Angels Church. A congregation of hundreds attended a service to remember those who have died in war, before wreaths of poppies were laid at the cenotaph in Canon Square by local groups and dignitaries.
This year’s period of remembrance marks 100 years since the end of one of the bloodiest battles in history, the Battle of the Somme. Over a million men were wounded or killed during the four-month First World War battle, which ended in November 1916.
Another, service was held to mark Armistice Day at 11am on Friday with pupils from local primary schools.
Mayor of Melksham, councillor Terri Welch said, “I thought there was a brilliant turnout at both the parade on Sunday and the service on Friday morning. More and more people are coming out for remembrance every year in Melksham; there was a reverent atmosphere at both events. The parade on Sunday marched beautifully and it was good to see so many people filling both the church and Canon Square outside for the wreath laying.
“The church was full, which was about 400 people, and we think there were another 150 out in the square.
“I think more people are learning about the sacrifices soldiers have made throughout history, and the 100th anniversary of the Somme has really got people thinking about it this year.”
Ken Graham, ex-serviceman, member of the Royal British Legion and organiser of Melksham’s Poppy Appeal said, “Everything went smoothly on Sunday and I think the parade went very well. We got lucky with the weather again, too – it was a nice dry day. There were certainly more people there this year. The people of Melksham are brilliant; they’re very generous in their support for ex-servicemen and the Royal British Legion.
“We raised £24,000 from the Poppy Appeal last year. It’s a lot of money but I’d love for us to beat that amount this time.”