Remembrance Weekend 2022
The Heckmondwike Branch members would like to greatly thank everyone for their support this year at the Remembrance Service that took place on Sunday 13th November 2022.
With a special note of thanks to MP Kim Leadbeater / Revd. Brunel James / Standard bearer of the Spenborough Branch RBL / Staff & Students of Heckmondwike Grammar and not forgetting the Blue Angels.
Remembrance Weekend 2018
To Commemorate 100 years since the Armistice of the First World War happened on November 11th 1918 a service of remembrance was held in St James Church, Heckmondwike led by the Vicar of Heckmondwike Karen Young. It was hugely attended and a wonderful moment when the choir of Norristhorpe Junior School held up some photos of those men of Heckmondwike who were lost in WW1 as all 157 names from the war memorial were read out by Rev Young, Wayne McDonald, Branch Chairman of Heckmondwike Royal British Legion. Two beautiful songs were sung by the children of Norristhorpe choir.
After the service despite the pouring rain everyone made their way to the War Memorial in Green Park where we joined the local community in remembering all those lost to conflict & terror. Many local dignateries including Tracy Brabin, MP Batley & Spen as well as Cllr David Sheard, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council as well as members of Army Cadets, Scouts, Guides, St Johns Ambulance, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and local businesses laid wreaths. Huge thanks to the Salvation Army Band for providing the music
Remembrance Weekend 2017
Yet again the community of Heckmondwike joined us over the weekend of 10th-12th November to remember those from Heckmondwike who gave their lives in both World Wars & Conflicts since and to reflect on the lives of all who have been affected by war and terror.
On Friday 10th several local schools including Millbridge & Norristhorpe joined us at the war memorial and a short service was held. The school children paused to remember and place their handmade items around the memorial.
On Saturday 11th Armistice Day our branch was joined by members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association as well as Cllr David Sheard Leader of Kirklees Council to observe the nations 2 minute silence and to lay wreaths.
Remembrance Sunday 12th November the community of Heckmondwike gathered in Green Park for our annual Service of Remembrance led by Rev Karen Young, Vicar of St James's Church,Heckmondwike. A big turn out from all generations of the community were joined by guests including Tracy Brabin ,MP for Batley & Spen, David Sheard, Leader Kirklees Council, Cllr Viv Kendrick as well as members of Heckmondwike Scouts & Guides, Army Cadet Force Spen Valley and Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association.
Our Branch Chairman, Mr Wayne McDonald, read out the Act of Homage and a service followed involving Churches Together from around Heckmondwike. Heckmondwike Grammar School provided an excellent band and a reading was made by the Head Pupil.
Mr Sabahat Karim, Imam of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association said an Islamic prayer to honour those lost to wars.
Wreaths were laid by guests & the community and the 2 minute silence was observed by all.
See our photo gallery for photos from the weekend
Remembrance Sunday 2016
On Sunday 13th November we gathered with the local community to remember those Men & Women from Heckmondwike who gave their lives in both World Wars & all conflicts since. See Photo Gallery for more
Remembrance Sunday 2015
Jo Cox, MP Batley & Spen and Cllr David Sheard, Leader Kirklees Council pictured with Mr Peter Bustard, Chairman. Photo courtesy of Jo Cox Twitter feed
The Royal British Legion is recognised as the national custodian of Remembrance.
Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.
View our News & Events calendar for details of local Remembrance events.
