Is it just me, or does anyone else recall that Remembrance Sundays always seemed to be cold/frosty/raining? I remember my dad (WO1 - REME - East Africa) dragging me and the family down to the Heckmondwike War Memorial in the mid 1950's in such weather.

Maybe being higher up the valley, the sun always shines in Cleckheaton?

It was sunny again for the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Church Service on 13 November 2016. A large attendance watched the parade depart from Cleckheaton Town Hall to Memorial Park for the Wreath Laying Service.

The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mrs Kate Moreton-Deakin represented Her Majesty the Queen and was accompanied by Mr Tony Moreton Deakin.

Baroness Pinnock of Cleckheaton was also present and the newly elected Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen, Mrs Tracy Brabin.

The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Band conducted by Mr Lee Whitworth ATCL  led the parade through the town to Memorial Park. We are really fortunate to have in Spenborough, what is considered one of the finest military style bands in the country.

Assembling at the Cleckheaton War Memorial, wreaths were laid by the Deputy Lieutenant on behalf of the Queen, Baroness Pinnock on behalf of The House of Lords, Mrs Tracey Brabin MP on behalf of Parliament. Councillors Andrew Pinnock and Lisa Holmes laid a wreath on behalf of Kirklees Council and Mr Clifford Frear for the Spenborough Branch of The Royal British Legion.

Other wreaths were laid by a number of organisations and some of these can be seen in the photo gallery below.

A very popular feature suggested by Branch Secretary, David Walker some three years ago, was to invite members of the public to place personal crosses in the top tier of the Memorial.

The Parade Marshal, Branch Chairman Eddie Morton, reformed the parade to pass around the Memorial and return march to The Town Hall.

Following the parade, the Remembrance Day Service was held at St John's Church, conducted by Branch Chaplain Mr Terry Brewis and assisted by former Branch Chaplain the Reverend Brunel James.

The Branch Chairman wishes to thank once again, the ladies from the Women's Section for providing refreshments and the Churchwardens at St Johns for use of their facilities.

To see a slide show, please click on a thumbnail below.