Winsford honours war heroes

A scaled down service was held at the two War Memorials on Sunday due to Covid-19 restrictions and the annual parade had to be cancelled.

Following a request from the Town Council, only a small number of people attended the event.

Town Mayor Cllr Don Beckett lays a wreath

The ceremony featured readings from Town Mayor Cllr Don Beckett, chaplain Rev Chris Moore, of St Chad's Church, and representatives from The Royal British Legion

Wreaths were laid at the town's two War Memorials by representatives of the police, fire and ambulance services, the Town Council and Royal British Legion.

Wreathes were laid at the town's two War Memorials

Local resident Gill Holmes played the Last Post.

Local resident Gill Holmes plays the Last Post

Town Mayor Cllr Don Beckett said: "The service was, by necessity I’m afraid, much smaller than usual but we were determined to remember our heroes in the best way possible. This seemed a small price to pay compared to them laying down their lives.

“The service was much shorter than usual but went very well, and, whilst we asked people not to turn up at the shopping centre, those who did behaved impeccably.

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Town Mayor Cllr Don Beckett was one of the readers

“I could not be more proud of my town and would like to thank those who organised the event – including Town Council staff and the Royal British Legion – and those who attended including Deputy Mayor Cllr Nathan Pardoe. some of my fellow Town Councillors, Gill who played the Last Post beautifully as ever and the Police and armed forces."

Poppies were painted by pupils from Darnhall Primary School

Town Clerk Mark Bailey said: "Preparations for the event were very difficult indeed, but I am very grateful to Cheshire West Council and to the Shopping Centre for their understanding and support and for everyone who attended on the day.

"We had hoped to stream the event live on Facebook, but we had some technical difficulties in doing so. We did, however, post the video of the service onto the WTC Facebook page so people can watch it. Let us all hope and pray that we will be back to normal next year."

Pupils from Darnhall Primary School created Remembrance artwork

The Town Council wants to thank pupils from Darnhall Primary School who created some artwork for the event, which, unfortunately could not be displayed on the day due to government guidelines.