4 NOVEMBER 2013

The front of Cleckheaton Town Hall on a frosty but clear morning, was the setting for what is now another yearly Branch event - the opening of the Garden of Remembrance 2013.

The Branch Chairman, Mr Eddie Morton opened the proceedings and deputizing for the Branch Chaplain the Rev Brunel James who was unfortunately delayed, gave a short address and prayers.

Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Mr Gordon Tollefson CStJ, JP, DL, FRSPH, ACH placed a cross on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.

Mr Barry Scott from the Royal British Legion, acting on behalf of our President Mr Eric Martin who is indisposed, laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch.

The other Principal Guests placed crosses, Mrs Audrey Mills from The Royal British Legion, Spenborough Women's Branch, Lord Shaw of Northstead JP, DL and Lady Shaw, Mr Mike Wood, Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen, Councillors Andrew and Kath Pinnock and Mrs Karen Vickers, Head Teacher from Howard Park Community School with two of her pupils.

Members of the public were then invited to place their own personal crosses.

This short service forms a fitting preface to Remembrance Week itself and it is very gratifying to see that the number of people taking part seems to increase year on year.

Tea and biscuits were provided in the Town Hall, for which the Branch is once again indebted to the Women's Section of the Legion.

Left to right: Cllr Kath Pinnock, Cllr Andrew Pinnock, Mr Mike Wood MP, Lord Shaw, Lady Shaw, Mrs Audrey Mills, Mr Barry Scott and The Deputy Lieutenant Mr Gordon Tollefson.

Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Mr Gordon Tollefson placing a cross on behalf of The Queen.

                        Mr Barry Scott (Royal Engineers) laying the Branch wreath.

                    Mrs Audrey Mills of the Womens Section, Spenborough Branch.

 Lord and Lady Shaw                                    Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton

The Deputy Lieutenant talking to the children from Howard Park School.

The President's Table - right to left: Mr Barry Scott, The Deputy Lieutenant Mr Gordon Tollefson, Mr David Walker, Branch Secretary (standing), Mrs Karen Vickers, Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton and Mrs Scott.

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