Stratford honours the fallen during Remembrance commemorations
LESS than a minute or two from Holy Trinity Church lies another place of peace and tranquillity - the Garden of Remembrance in Stratford.
Once more, the annual Remembrance Sunday service and observation was held in this immaculate walled corner of green grass in Old Town to honour those whose names are listed on the war memorial within the garden.
On Sunday the service of Remembrance was led by Rev Patrick Taylor of Holy Trinity and Rev Dr Paul Edmondson of the Shakespeare Institute and Chaplain to Stratford Town Council.
Roger Bliss, president of Stratford British Legion said: “The number of people who attended on Sunday was absolutely fantastic. There was peace and quiet as the poem For the Fallen was read and during the two minutes’ silence we reflected on the whole meaning of Remembrance. On Armistice Day, pupils from Stratford Primary School laid a wreath in the Garden of Remembrance and I think these memorial events are now resonating with a whole new generation of youngsters who can find out about their families on the internet. Our thanks goes to Stratford MP Manuela Perteghella and the Mayor of Stratford, Councillor Jason Fojtik for their support.”
The Commonwealth was also remembered with a special service held at Stratford Cemetery at 4pm on Monday.
The time chosen coincided with 11am in the Canadian capital city of Ottawa where ceremonies took place across the country.
Councillor Gill Cleeve served as a medic in the Canadian Army. During her mayoral year (2022 to 2023) Cllr Cleeve reintroduced a service in memory of the Canadian and Commonwealth servicemen who lost their lives during the war years.
Councillor Cleeve said: “There are 97 Canadian airmen buried in the cemetery and 177 Commonwealth personnel buried in total. We laid wreaths and said prayers. The last British Empire soldier to be killed at 10.58 before the Armistice took effect at 11am is recognised as Canadian, Private George Lawrence-Price who is buried in Belgium.”
Caroline Nash, town clerk of Stratford Town Council said: “The parade and service in the Garden of Remembrance was a moving tribute to all those who have served and those who have given their lives in service to our country and was very well supported.
Thank you to all the organisations involved who took part in the planning and all those who joined us in paying our respects.
The town council wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year's Remembrance Service held on Sunday 10th November. Together, our community continues to uphold the solemnity of Remembrance Day, honouring the legacy of those who served and preserving it for future generations.
Special appreciation goes to the Royal British Legion, whose commitment ensures that we honour our heroes with dignity and respect each year. We also recognise the hard work of our Town Council's Open Spaces team, who maintain the Garden of Remembrance with care throughout the year. Their efforts provide a beautiful, tranquil space that allows for reflection and remembrance.”
School children in Studley wrote the names of those service people who lost their lives on small white crosses during a service at the war memorial. An estimated 1,500 people lined the parade route and after wreaths were laid and prayers said a reception of commemoration was held at Studley Sports and Social Club.
