Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council Remembrance Services 2026: Willingdon Remembers
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Parish Council Chair John Pritchett BEM expressed his pride as Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council joined the Royal British Legion to organise Willingdon’s Remembrance services. Commemorations began on Sunday 8th November at 10.30am, with a parade from Upper Kings Drive to St Marys Parish Church in Upper Willingdon, where Deacon Sue Wilkinson led the service.
Taking part were the Willingdon Branch of the Royal British Legion, led by Sylvia Hemmingway; Standard Bearers; Parish Council Chair John Pritchett BEM and Councillors Frances Pritchett, Christine Payne MBE, Sally Morris, Ryan Weedon and Martin Cooper; 1st Willingdon Scouts, Cubs and Beavers; Willingdon Guides, Brownies and Rainbows; and WiLLRA members Colin and Rena Wood.
Parade Marshal Steve Leonard led the procession, accompanied by drummers Liam and Liz Avery. Piper Ian White welcomed everyone to the church.
Marcus Plant, Musical Director of Eastbourne Silver Band, played the Last Post both in the church and after at the churchyard service.
At 3pm, the Ruthless Memorial Service took place at Butts Brow, beside the memorial to the ten Canadian aircrew who lost their lives when their Liberator crashed there during the Second World War.
Deacon Sue Wilkinson led the service, attended by Parish Council Chair John Pritchett BEM, Councillors Fran Pritchett, Howard Coote and Ruth Sheppard, Josh Babarinde MP, Mayor Margaret Bannister and lots of local residents.
Special thanks go to Martin Lulham and his team for the three-plane flypast, which added to the poignancy of the occasion following Marcus Plant’s performance of the Last Post.
On 11th November, the Parish Council held its well-supported annual Remembrance Service outside the Parish Council office at The Triangle. Minister Clive Woodward officiated, joined by Royal British Legion members and Piper Ian White. Derry Green played the Last Post on the trumpet.
Chair John Pritchett BEM extends a heartfelt thank you to all the residents, young people, parents, Councillors, Royal British Legion members and musicians who supported and contributed to the services on 8th and the 11th November.