Crowds of locals gather for Halstead Remembrance Parade

Lead by the Royal British Legion, the town once again had its annual Remembrance Day parade, which saw a march along the High Street.

The event started at Halstead Public Gardens, with crowds gathering in the park, including youth groups, schools, clubs, police, fire and St John’s Ambulance.

Parade attendees marched up the high street, led by Essex Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums  (image: Beverley David)

Holy Trinity Primary, Ramsey Academy, and town scouts and brownies brought along their own flags in celebration.

Many residents dressed in suit and tie and all parade attendees wore a poppy, with volunteers taking donations and offering paper poppies and pins.

A wreath laying took place at the War Memorial in the park, followed by a march up the high street to St Andrew's Church – led by the Essex Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums.

Mayor of Halstead, Andy Munday was the first to lay a wreath at the WW2 memorial, on behalf of King Charles III (Image: Halle Groves) A second wreath-laying took place at the war memorial in the churchyard, before an in-church service and refreshments at St Andrew's Hall.

Chairman of the Halstead branch Royal British Legion, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Tony Jones BEM said: "As a Royal British Legion Branch, we were once again very happy with the turnout of local Citizens to see, to take part, and to enjoy our Acts of Remembrance.

"Everything went well with people coming out of the shops, pubs and restaurants to support us as we paraded up through the High Street, it is important we maintain our Remembrance in order future generations remain aware of the Ultimate Sacrifice so many of our people made in order we can all live in a free world.

"It is also important we continue to look after and care for those Service Personnel and their Families who have suffered in more recent conflicts and continue to do so throughout the World daily.

"I would to take this opportunity to thank those who turn out year on year to assist us in making this a spectacular event for our Local Community.

"The Town Council covering the Safety aspects, the Cornet Players covering Last Post and Reveille, Amp & Deck for providing the PA System, Army Cadet April Kettle for being our Standard Bearer, Templars Rugby Club for providing the Route Marshalls, the Local fire Service for being our Parade Rear Guard, Churches together in Halstead for their Pastoral help and providing the Service of Remembrance in St. Andrews Church.

"Also thanks to Daniel Robinson & Son for publishing our Remembrance brochure - we really do appreciate their help and dedication.

"A big thank you must go to our Branch Committee, a small group of people who work tirelessly in the background to ensure Remembrance is always a success.

"Lastly, I thank everyone who has given to the Poppy Appeal, it is with your generosity that the Royal British Legion is able to give so much support to all Service Personnel and their Families, both Serving and Retired.

"We are eternally grateful."