Banbury Pays Tribute To The Fallen

Banbury residents paid tribute on Sunday 12th November to those who went to war but didn’t come home.

Crowds lined the streets to be part of Remembrance Sunday and to pay their respects to the men and women who lost their lives in two world wars and later conflicts.

The day started at 10.15am when a military and civic parade, led by Banbury’s 1460 Air Training Corps Band, marched from Broad Street, up High Street and along Horse Fair to St Mary’s Church for a memorial mass attended by a specially-invited congregation.

Around 450 people took part in the parade.

The service was broadcast on speakers outside the church for those who couldn’t be inside and people at home were able to watch a live stream of the proceedings.

After the service, hundreds of people gathered in People’s Park to attend the wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial – and more than 50 wreaths were placed on the cenotaph by representatives of military and municipal organisations.

Standard bearers lowered their banners as buglers sounded the start and finish of a one-minute silence.

After the wreath-laying, the parade returned down High Street for a salute in High Street.

Remembrance Day was organised by Banbury Town Council and the Royal British Legion (Banbury branch).

Leader of the council and president of the RBL’s Banbury branch Kieron Mallon said: “Banbury has a long and proud military history and many families locally have been touched by the effects of war.

“Remembrance Day gives those families and others the chance to pay tribute.”

# College students in Banbury created remembrance-themed works of art that were displayed in the town hall for Remembrance Sunday.

The students, from Banbury and Bicester College, were at the town hall last week to arrange the artworks in the main chamber.

Recycling charity Orinoco added a poppy collage to the display and guests at a reception held after the Remembrance Day proceedings were able to admire the exhibits.

Cllr Mallon said: “This initiative allowed young people to express their thoughts and ideas of what remembrance means.

“It is important that future generations continue to remember those who served and sacrificed their lives for our and their freedom.”