The Remembrance Sunday service taken by Reverend Chris Shipley was held in the church of St Mary the Virgin on November 11th and was as always a moving occasion for the large congregation. We were pleased to welcome the Venerable Stephen Taylor, Archdeacon of Maidstone who gave the sermon. The names of all those from Upchurch who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWI and WWII were read out and included Pilot Officer Corbett, a Canadian Pilot shot down and fatally wounded over Upchurch during WWII. There then followed the laying of eight wreaths in the Lady Chapel, one of which was from the Mayor of our twin village Ferques in France – our Parish Council had sent a wreath of poppies for laying at the service in Ferques. After the service the Venerable Stephen Taylor, the Reverend Chris Shipley, the church choir, the uniformed Scout and Guide organisations together with members of the congregation processed to the burial ground. Remembrance crosses were laid at each of the War Graves Commission Graves by five past members of the Armed Services or Police and members of the youth organisations from the Parish.
Later in the day, at the new beacon in the recreation ground, the names of the Upchurch war dead from WWI and WWII were read out to the large crowd that had assembled. The Last Post was sounded and a two minute silence was observed. Then at 7:00pm the beacon was set alight and the church bells were rung as we joined in the conclusion of the Nation’s “Battle's Over” commemoration of the WWI Armistice being signed 100 years ago.
The work of The Royal British Legion continues and it stands shoulder to shoulder with all who serve. It provides financial, social and emotional support to those who have served or are currently serving including their dependants. At this time we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWI and in subsequent conflicts but we also give for the welfare and support of those who returned, in so many cases badly injured, from recent conflicts.
