Page 31 - Phonebox Magazine December 2012

Newport Pagnell Royal British Legion organises an annual parade on Remembrance Sunday. This year Remembrance Sunday actually fell on the 11th November, which is Armistice Day. The town was very honoured this year as the queen’s representative in Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, Lord Lieutenant of the ceremonial county of Buckinghamshire (including Milton Keynes) came to Newport Pagnell to take the Remembrance Parade salute. Sir Henry was supported in taking the salute by Cllr Brian White, Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes and by Town Mayor Cllr Wendy Egan.
The Parade, lead by Parade Commander Major Douglas McCall, Newport Pagnell Royal British Legion Club President, marched along Newport Pagnell High Street from Queens Avenue to the town’s War Memorial outside of the Parish Church. Union Flags were flying along the route thanks to the Christmas Lights Committee. Musical accompaniment was provided by award winning Brosley Brass. There was a very large contingent on parade, which included a contingent TA unit have done service in Iraq and in Afghanistan. There was the Royal British Legion of course and other ex-service organisations, including a large contingent from the Royal Green Jackets Association. There were also a very large number of young people on the parade, including Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets, as well as scouts, cubs,
guides and brownies; plus other organisations such as St John’s and the Red Cross.
The RBL Riders branch appeared on parade for the second year riding their motorbikes. Hundreds of townspeople lined the streets on a very sunny day to support the parade.
Once the Parade was lined up by the War Memorial the Act of Remembrance was lead by the Rev Michael Godfrey. Wreaths were laid as the names of the fallen were read out by RBL County Chairman Mike Barry, who also read the Exhortation. Brosley Brass played the Last Post and Reveille at the start and end of traditional two minute silence at 11am. The Kohima Epitaph was read by RBL Branch Chairman Ray Smith.
After the outdoor service hundreds of people packed the Parish Church of St Peters & St Pauls for the ecumenical service. The sermon was given by Squadron Leader Mervyn Evans. There was a retiring collection on behalf of the poppy Appeal.
Phonebox Magazine 31