Fleetwood pays respects to fallen on Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day, people were on their doorsteps to mark two minute's silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, while others of all ages laid wreaths on the cenotaph at Fleetwood's Memorial Park.

The coronavirus lockdown may have caused formal events to be cancelled, but in Fleetwood residents were still keen to pay their respects to those lost in all wars.

Fleetwood's annual event is normally a large scale gathering, attracting more than 1,000 people and is always well represented by active servicemen and women, veterans' associations and youth groups.

Although that could not happen this year, some individuals, family groups and ex-servicemen did manage to attend the cenotaph on Sunday, lay wreaths and observe the two minute's silence, while abiding by social distance rules.

Thelma Salthouse, secretary of Fleetwood's Remembrance Day Committee said: "Remembrance Sunday is always an important occasion in Fleetwood.

"It was disappointing not to be able to hold the parade and service this year, but everyone understood why it was important to stay safe.

"Despite this, a great many people were able to mark Remembrance Day in their own way and made sure the sacrifices made in war were not forgotten."

Among those laying wreaths at the cenotaph were 12 year old Eva Taylor, the 2019 Fleetwood Carnival queen, and her brother Billy Taylor, aged 10.

Members of Fleetwood Old Boys Band, who normally play a key musical role in the annual parade, were also in attendance to pay their respects.

Additionally, Wyre Council also aired a pre-recorded virtual remembrance service, led by the Reverend George Ayoma, minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Fleetwood, for residents to have their own Remembrance service at home.

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