Crowds are expected to line the streets of Newcastle as the Remembrance Sunday parade and service returns to the city after year’s events were moved online due to the pandemic.
While residents are encouraged to continue to follow hands, face and space guidance to reduce the risk of COVID spreading it is hoped they will once again come out to safely show their respects to those who have, and those who continue to, sacrifice so much to keep our city and country safe.
The commemoration events will take place on Sunday 14 November and will begin with Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Habib Rahman, laying wreaths at the War Memorials close to the Civic Centre.
The parade, which will include the Fifth Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, the 101 Royal Artillery Regiment and HMS Calliope as well as veterans and cadets, will step off from Ceremonial Way, Civic Centre at 10:15 am and march through the city before arriving at the War Memorial at Old Eldon Square.
A Two Minute Silence will be observed at 11am with the start and finish marked by gun fire. A Veteran and a Cadet will then read ‘They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old’ before the Last Post is played.
The Right Reverend Christine Hardman, Bishop of Newcastle, will then lead the Service of Remembrance with representatives of the Jewish and Muslim faiths taking part.
Following the laying of wreaths, a veteran will read the Kohima Epitaph and the Reveille will sound before the Regiment of Fusiliers ends the service with a rendition of the National Anthem. The Lord Mayor and his party will then move to the Saluting Dias at Grey’s Monument to take the salute as the parade marches back to the Civic Centre.
Councillor Habib Rahman, Lord Mayor of Newcastle, said “Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity for us all honour those who serve our country and I know people were disappointed that they weren’t able to attend the service last year.
“I am extremely pleased that this year, when we are also marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion, we can come together again to remember those who gave their lives to defend our freedoms, to pay tribute to those who sacrifice so much in service of our country and to say thank you for the important role the armed forces have played in keeping our city safe during the pandemic.
“COVID hasn’t gone away so please, when you come to pay your respects, be cautious and kind by not getting too close to other people. And remember if you or anyone in your household has any COVID symptoms you must stay at home.”
Colonel Paul Smyth MBE VR, Commanding Officer of the Fifth Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said “The Fusiliers have the honour to be involved in the Remembrance Parade this year on Sunday 14 November in the city. It has been two years since the parade took place and it is superb to see that the Armed Forces family and the city of Newcastle can once again come together on this poignant day.
“We will have the Fusilier Hackle represented in many towns and villages in the North East, and across the country this year with soldiers and officers laying wreaths close to home amongst their local community, but it is Newcastle where we will be represented in numbers. The Battalion will be honoured to lead the parade around the city with the other units, veterans and cadets from the North East and take part in the Remembrance Service at Eldon Square – Lest We Forget!”
As well as the main Newcastle parade services across Gateshead include:
November 11
Saltwell Park
A Service of Remembrance, organised by the Durham Light Infantry Association, will start at 10.45am at the park's DLI Memorial.
Crookhill/Stargate Visitors are invited to gather at 10.30am at Crookhill School to walk with classes to the War Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony and prayers.
Greenside A short service will take place at the war memorial at 11am. The official service will take place on Saturday, November 14.
Low Fell A Remembrance Service will begin at 10.45am at the Boer War Memorial in Durham Road, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
November 13
Birtley Gather at Birtley Cenotaph for 6.45pm where The Fellowship of the Service will hold a short wreath-laying ceremony. Assemble.
November 14
Gateshead Council has a list of Remembrance Services taking place across the borough and says the following times may be subject to slight changes.
It also asks anyone planning to attend an event to take a Covid-19 lateral flow test either the day before or on the morning of the service.
Gateshead The service at the Cenotaph in Prince Consort Road will start at 10.45am so those attending are asked to assemble by 10.40am. The service will last around half an hour and will include a wreath-laying ceremony.
Following the service, there then will be a March-Past outside the Central Library in Prince Consort Road, where the Mayor, Deputy Mayor of Gateshead and Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear will take the salute.
Birtley The parade will leave the Birtley Community Centre in Ravensworth Road around 10.30am and make its way to the Birtley Cenotaph for 10.45am for a short Remembrance Service. There will be a two-minute silence followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
Blaydon A 10.15am service at St Cuthbert's Church will bew followed by a service at the War Memorial at 12noon. A Remembrance Service and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph and those going are asked to assemble by 10.45am for a 11am start.
Clara Vale Assemble at the War Memorial at 10.45am for 11am for a wreath-laying ceremony.
Chopwell An act of Remembrance service and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph. Assemble 11.45am for 12noon.
Dunston Assemble at St Nicholas Church at 10am for a service followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Dunston's War Memorial at 11am. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Church Hall.
Felling
A short service and wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Garden of Remembrance, Felling, at 10.45am for an 11am start. If it turns out wet, those attending can make way to St Mary's Church at Heworth. Organisers say if the weather is inclement the service will be held in St Mary's Church.
Greenside A service will begin at 10.45am at the war memorial, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. The service will be attended by children from Greenside Primary School.
High Spen A Communion Service will begin at St Patrick's Church at 9am. It will move from the church to the War Memorial for an Act of Remembrance which will begin at 10am.
Kibblesworth A short wreath-laying ceremony will start at 10.45am at the War Memorial in Grange Terrace, Kibblesworth. Refreshments will be provided afterwards in the Millennium Centre in Grange Terrace.
Low Fell Here a restricted Remembrance Day event wil be limited to registered wreath-layers only. To register, contact Coun Susan Craig on 0191 488 0787.
Marley Hill Assemble at St Cuthbert's Church in Marley Hill for a Remembrance Service combined with Methodists, at 10.15am for an Act of Remembrance and wreath-laying.
MetroCentre Assemble at Town Square (opposite House of Fraser) at 2.45pm for a Service of Remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony which will take place at 3pm. A choir will be singing from 2.30pm.
Rowlands Gill Service will take place at St Barnabas Church at 10.45am, and Strathmore Road Methodist Church at 11.45am, followed by a Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 12noon.
Ryton A Parish Communion will be held at Holy Cross at 10am. This will be followed by an Act of Remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial at 11am (a short walk from Holy Cross Church to the memorial on Station Bank).
Swalwell A service will take place ast 9am at the Holy Trinity Church in Hexham Old Road, to be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at 10am.
Winlaton A service will take place at St Paul's Church at 9.30am then a short wreath-laying service of Remembrance will follow at the War Memorial at 10.45am.
Whickham A restricted Remembrance Day event will be limited to registered wreath-layers only. To register, contact 'Wreath Marshall' Peter Craig on 0191 488 0787.
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