Remembrance Sunday at Urmston / Davyhulme
8th November 2015
 
Well the day started off as cold, grey, windy and off course it was pouring down (like stair rods), what more could we ask for a November day heading into winter. Having made my way to Urmston Masonic Hall I parked up and set off for the library where the parade was to form up, the leaves were three or four layers deep on the pavements and very slippy, it didn’t bother me because this is my favourite time of year. Now the sun hadn’t exactly come out but the heavy rain suddenly stopped, was this a sign from above. 
Austin Set to go.
On the March
The Minister
Once I had signed in rubbing shoulders with MP’s, Councillors and such like (very posh) all of which were very interested in the Mark Jewel and of course got a full explanation as to who we are and what we do the call was made for forming up the parade.
Those Assembled around the circle
Given the signal by the Parade Marshal Stuart Williamson we set off at a marching pace to the sounds of the Third Davyhulme Scout Marching Band, on reaching Golden Hill Park Memorial in Urmston the parade halted whilst a wreath was laid by the Mayors Representative, and Reverend Corke, on looking back I was amazed at just how long the parade was. Once this was completed we set off towards Davyhulme War Memorial, pavements on both sides of the road were filled with people who escorted us all the way to Monument. On arriving I was very pleased to be greeted by W.Bro.Graham Bailey PGStdB, the PGM’s special representative for the area.  
Austin at the Monument
W.Bro. Graham Bailey
If you ever needed a site to warm the heart and have faith in Human kind this was it, the very large roundabout known as Davyhulme Circle was completely full of people, Mums, Dads, children and Grand Parents, young and old, well over 2000 were gathered there.
At the sound of the clock tower striking 11 o’clock the Last Post was sounded, and silence fell over the crowd, nothing could be heard only the sound of the wind, leaves rustling on the trees and birds singing. The Service of Remembrance conducted by Reverend Corke followed with great dignity and I felt very privileged to lay a wreath on behalf of West Lancashire Mark Masons notably, Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Lodge and Chorlton Mark Lodge.
The Wreath's and the Monument
The West Lancashire Mark Wreath
On conclusion of the Service the National Anthem was sung and the Parade re formed before heading off back to the centre of Urmston, all in all a wonderful uplifting morning. Before I retired I always asked for a duty to escort an Ex Servicemen’s Assoc to the Cenotaph, we were always invited back to their club and given tokens for drinks and lots of sausage rolls, the highlight for me was listening to their wonderful stories and reminiscences but today I am heading home to watch the recording of the mornings events on TV, instead of a few pints it will be a few drams of Laphroaig my favourite Islay whisky and is that bacon I can smell.
 
All in all a great day.
 
Report and Photo's courtesy of Austin N. Fletcher. ProvGJO