Havering Remembrance Sunday commmemorations in pictures

Events were held across Havering on Sunday, November 9, in memory of those who served and sacrificed during times of conflict.

Parades and services took place throughout the borough, including in Romford, Hornchurch, Elm Park, Upminster, Harold Wood, Harold Hill, and Rainham.

Police cadets in the Romford parade (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

The Romford parade began at 10.30am outside the Liberty Shopping Centre and concluded at the war memorial in Coronation Gardens.

Air cadets in Romford (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

Ashley Kissin, former Redbridge mayor with wreaths in Romford (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

Councillor Sue Ospreay, Mayor of Havering, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along once again to mark Remembrance Sunday in Havering.

“Remembrance Sunday gives the borough a chance to remember our servicemen and servicewomen from Britain and the Commonwealth, who gave so much in order to keep us safe.

“We are proud to stand as a community to mark Remembrance Sunday each November, which highlights the continued bravery and sacrifices of our Armed Forces.”

The parade marched from The Liberty to Coronation Gardens (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

Royal British Legion band leads the Romford parade (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

This year also marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, commemorating the end of the Second World War and eight decades of peace.

Dignitaries arrive at the war memorial in Romford (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

Parades in Upminster and Rainham also started at 10.30am, while the parade in Hornchurch started at 10.45am and services began at 10.45am in Harold Wood, and at 10.40am in Harold Hill.

A new bench in the gardens at Havering Town Hall (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

In Harold Wood, a service took place at Memorial Hall before the laying of wreaths next to the war memorial.

Harold Wood councillors Brian Eagling, Darren Wise and Martin Goode were in attendance, as were members of local scout groups.

The Harold Hill service was preceded by a procession from St. George’s Church in Chippenham Road to the War Memorial Stone in Hilldene Avenue, headed by a lone bagpiper. 

Paying respects in Harold Wood (Image: courtesy of Cllr Darren Wise)

A service was conducted by Revd Nathan Joss-Pothen leading to a bugler playing The Last Post.

A two minutes’ silence followed, which was reportedly started by former councillor Pat Murray blowing a whistle which his grandfather had blown at the Battle of the Somme.

Silence was broken by another blast from Mr Murray’s whistle followed by the playing of Reveille.

Harold Wood councillors Darren Wise, Brian Eagling and Martin Goode (Image: courtesy of Cllr Darren Wise)

A reported record number of wreaths were laid by dignitaries, political parties, police, fire service, businesses, churches, community organisations such as scouts and cubs and other groups representing all ages.

The service ended with The Lords Prayer and a communal singing of the national anthem. 

The bagpiper led a procession back to the church for a service.