Billingshurst Remembrance Parade through the village

This year’s Remembrance Sunday fell on the 8th November and once again Billingshurst turned out in substantial numbers to support the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Parade as they marched through the village.

This was an opportunity to ensure that the sacrifices and service of those who served are never forgotten and to reflect on the contributions of those who serve today, and of veterans and their families. The Parade was composed of Legion supporters, Poppy Appeal collectors, community representatives and veterans, along with members of the local Scout and Guiding groups.

The Parade stepped off from Frenches Mead at 10.30 am, marching along behind the Colour Party of Scouts and Guide, Eli, Freya and Freddy, who were escorting the Union Flag. It was a chilly, misty and foggy start to the morning, but the procession arrived at the War Memorial by St Mary’s Church in time for the 11.00 am service to commemorate those ‘Fallen in War.’ As the ‘Last Post’ concluded, there followed the poignant two minutes silence, and then the ‘Reveille’ bugle call, after which the Legion’s Branch Chair, Rob Nicholl, gave the traditional ‘Exhortation’, before the laying of wreaths and prayers. After this Ceremony at the War Memorial, the Reverend David Beal conducted a special Remembrance Service inside St Mary’s Church. David, who is also the Billingshurst Branch Chaplin, said "Our Remembrance Day service is a solemn and significant moment for our community as we gather to be still, to pray, and to reflect. We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away." After this commemoration at the Church, the Parade reformed and set off from Gratwicke Close, along the High Street, before concluding with refreshments at the Billingshurst Community Centre.

The Parade was led by the Branch Chair, Rob Nicholl alongside Youth Standard Bearer, James Evans and commanded by our new Branch Parade Marshal Andy Johnson. Andy said, “It has been a privilege for me to take on the role of Parade Marshal. It is a role that I conducted in my youth when I was requested to be Parade Commander for a youth parade in Horsham to celebrate the late Queens Golden Jubilee. Honouring and remembering the sacrifices and service of our Armed Forces has always been a cause close to my heart.” As in previous years, the procession was helped along by the rousing marching music played from speakers mounted upon the roof of Anthony Fuest’s ‘Poppy’ adorned Landrover, organised in conjunction with the Billingshurst and District Lions Club. The necessary road closures which allowed the parade to take place, were arranged by Billingshurst Parish Council, with the necessary marshalling along the route kindly orchestrated by the Billingshurst Scouting Association.

Along the route the ‘Salute’ was received by Billingshurst’s Parish Council Chair Paul Berry, standing alongside Julia Banks and family, in tribute to our recently deceased Branch President, Colin Banks. Richard, his son, said he “Wished to thank the Royal British Legion Billingshurst Branch for inviting our family to take up the saluting base at this year's Remembrance Day Parade in honour of Colin. We are deeply touched by this tribute to his service as President of the Branch, and as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. It has been a privilege to remember and honour him alongside you all.” Parade Marshall, Andy Johnson, added, “I feel having his family take the salute has been a fitting tribute to a man that has selflessly served his Country and Community.  He played a huge part in ensuring that our local act of remembrance continued and taught many within the community why it matters. It is a legacy that I and our Branch wish to continue with pride”.

Remembrance honours those who serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life and every year, the nation unites to make sure that no one is forgotten and to remember those who have sacrificed their lives to secure and protect our freedom. The work of the Royal British Legion can be epitomised by its motto: 'Service not self’. The Legion is the nation's biggest Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. In every act of remembrance, we honour the memory of the fallen and pledge to care for the living. Rob Nicholl reflected, “Remembrance Sunday presents us with an opportunity to contemplate on the experiences endured by many during the World Wars, as well as those affected by modern-day conflicts, around the globe.”