MAYOR’S WEEK: 9 – 16 NOVEMBER 2024
On Friday evening I attended the Remembrance Service at Fernhill Heath War Memorial Club.
I received a warm welcome and there were clever displays indoors and out.
Laying a wreath directly under the plaques of names of those lost locally soon brought home the reality of war.
It was particularly touching to see children representing the neighbouring Hindlip First School turn out for an evening 8pm service.
On Saturday afternoon I attended the act of remembrance for Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, better known as Woodbine Willie, at St John’s Cemetery.
The cemetery is tree lined and peaceful, an apt resting place from the noise of war.
Nicknamed “Woodbine Willie” for giving Woodbine cigarettes and spiritual aid, to injured and dying soldiers, this priest and poet was incredibly brave and rightly awarded a military cross.
On Remembrance Sunday I attended the Worcester Cathedral service and being in the civic procession I was able to really appreciate the crowds that had turned out.
Seeing so many people, it was difficult not to smile, alongside Beatrice Grant the Lord Lieutenant, who took the salute outside the Guildhall.
On Armistice Day I was at Foregate Street station in time for the 7.26am poppy train.
A touching tribute, started due to covid restrictions. Wreaths are collected on trains at stations and placed on the memorial on Platform 1 at London Paddington, ahead of the 10.45am service.
At 11am I was outside Worcester Cathedral cenotaph to lay a wreath and observe the two minutes of silence.
Standard bearers, veterans and the public were alongside each other and have been a constant comfort, throughout this Remembrance weekend.
At 1pm I attended a lunch with the Rotary Club of Worcester, now 101 years young.
They are a charitable, thoughtful and welcoming group, who meet frequently and fundraise a lot. A minute of silence was also held to mark Armistice Day.