Horley comes together for Remembrance Sunday parade and service and Armistice Day commemorations

The event on Sunday, November 8 opened with a parade led by the Redhill Corps of Drums & Band, followed by veterans, councillors, Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Army Cadets, local schools and community groups who marched along Victoria Road from the Horley RBL headquarters on Albert Road.

An impressive turnout of residents and visitors came together to pay their respects at the Memorial Gardens. A vast collection of poppy wreaths could be seen reverently placed at the War Memorial by representatives of the Royal British Legion, local government, schools, cadet groups and other local organisations.

The Deputy Lieutenant for Surrey and Colonel A.P. Guthrie laid the King’s Wreath and joined the wreath-laying ceremony, Wreaths were also laid on behalf of East Surrey Council by Councillor Steve Wotton, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council by its leader, Councillor Richard Biggs, and Horley Town Council by the Town Mayor, Councillor Lynnette Easterbrook.

The service was led by Reverend Canon Les Wells and featured a heartfelt address and prayers, with the congregation singing hymns along with the national anthem together, paying tribute to and reflecting on the sacrifices of others.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, November 4, the Garden of Remembrance was rededicated during a special ceremony led by the chairman of Horley Royal British Legion and the branch chaplain, and officially opened by the Horley Town Mayor, Councillor Lynnette Easterbrook, with pupils from Oakwood School and Yattendon School laying crosses and a wreath in tribute to members of the Horley branch who had sadly passed away during the year, providing a poignant opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance.

This annual event stood as a moving reminder of the courage and dedication of those who have served in the armed forces as well as the importance of peace.

On Wednesday, November 11, residents came together in Horley town centre to observe the national two minutes’ silence for Armistice Day, paying tribute to those who gave their lives in service.

Horley Town Council is honoured to support the Royal British Legion – Horley branch in its commemorative services across Horley and applauds the tremendous commitment of its members.

The council congratulated and thanked Horley WI and the many wonderful volunteers whose time, creativity and dedication produced the stunning display of knitted poppies surrounding the Horley Memorial Gardens.