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Huge crowds turn out for poignant Worksop Remembrance parade

The people of Worksop came out in force on Sunday to pay their respects to those members of the Armed Services who have died in conflict.

Hundreds of people from every living generation gathered around the war memorial to see wreaths being laid by military representatives and civic dignitaries.

Councillor Deborah Merryweather, chairman of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “It was a poignant commemoration, and it was nice to see a lot of young people there keeping the memory alive.

“There is a fear that as new generations come up, they will forget what older ones did for us, so it was lovely to see that’s not the case in Worksop.”

One youngster took centre stage in the ceremonies. Izzie Bennett, eight, clutched her teddy bear as she laid a wreath in memory of her great grandfather, Ken Beard, who died earlier this year.

The Worksop Miners’ Welfare Band performed during the official parade inspection in the Old Market Square, with Coun Merryweather and Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Veronica Pickering accompanied by Parade Marshall Sergeant Neil Orton.

The Worksop Salvation Army Band was given the honour of performing the Last Post once wreaths had been laid before the official service took place at Priory Church.

That the Remembrance events took place unhindered was itself an extraordinary act of resilience, given the floods which had swept through the town centre in the days before.

Coun Merryweather said: “Under the circumstances, the day went tremendously well. Council staff and our emergency services put in so much hard work in the background to make sure it could go ahead.

“It goes to show that Worksop is a great community, that still pulls together when it matters most.”