This year's Remembrance Sunday events in Leyburn had added poignancy as the town's Royal British Legion (RBL) branch celebrated its centenary.
A sizeable crowd gathered to pay their respects, including military veterans, serving personnel, official and community groups along with members of the public.
A short service led by Revs Melanie Reed and Gillian Lunn was followed by David Halliday of the RBL reading names of Bellerby and Leyburn residents who lost their lives in conflicts past.
Jules Higham of Leyburn Band played the Last Post prior to an immaculately-observed two-minute silence.
Official wreaths were laid by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Tom Ramsden, North Yorkshire Councillor Karin Sedgwick and town mayor Mandy Spencerley, the RAF represented by Group Captain Stephen Richards, and representatives from community groups and members of the public. Groups included North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Rescue, and the National Park, plus many young people from the Scout and Guide movements and local schools.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mr Ramsden also presented the Leyburn RBL branch with a pennant marking its 100 years of service to the community and military veterans' welfare.
The Wensleydale School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) marched with SSI WO2 Tracy Sockett, the school’s CCF Staff Instructor, to the war memorial, where they joined RBL members and formed a guard of honour.
This was followed by a march to the Methodist church for a service, which had a musical accompaniment provided by Leyburn Band. The morning’s collection was given to the RBL.
Reflecting on his experience, one senior cadet and Year 11 student said: “It was a real privilege and something I didn't think I would get the chance to do. During practices I learnt a lot and this has helped me understand the importance of remembrance.
“Sometimes people think young people aren't interested or don’t understand why we have Remembrance Day, but that isn't true. Being part of CCF at school has helped me and the link with the RBL is a great way for the different generations to work together.”
Headteacher Julia Polley, who started her career in the RAF, added: “This partnership is significant. We hope students, parents and even many within the community will see the important role the RBL has in our community by considering membership, which will help to secure the RBL’s future.”
The joint parade was the second event since a partnership was formed between the school's CCF and the RBL, and follows the school’s annual CCF presentation in the summer, where chairman David Halliday officially welcomed the cadets to the branch.
He said: “Leyburn and District branch of the Royal British Legion are proud of their affiliation with Wensleydale School CCF and equally proud to have them stand with us on this annual act of remembrance in Leyburn.
“We would also like to think that some of the cadets could be tomorrow’s British Legion members."
The charity presently finds its existence under threat due to a drop in membership, because elderly members are not being replaced by younger members. If numbers drop any further the Leyburn branch is at risk of becoming a sub-branch.
Long-standing member Richard Morris said: “We’re keen to debunk the image of the charity as a place where members exchange wartime stories in the pub.
“Membership is not only for those with a connection to the forces – everyone is welcome to join."
Besides the Poppy Appeal, a lot of work goes on in the community throughout the year such as clay shoot fundraisers and supporting the Wensleydale Show.
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