On the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th Month of 2018, a ray of sunshine broke through the rain clouds as a crowd of people (with one poppy-bedecked horse) assembled by the War Memorial at Edwinstowe’s crossroads and stood in silence for 2 minutes.  They had listened to the Reverend Ian Webb deliver the Memorial Service, which commenced with the Act of Remembrance and Roll of Honour for the people who gave their lives in two world wars and recent combat.  Edwinstowe mourned 31 men in WW1, 14 in WW2 and 1 in 1999.  The service finished with a blessing.

The Wreath-laying then took place with standards lowered.  After the National Anthem the parade led by the Thoresby Band, marched past the saluting base on High Street.  The Saluting Officer was Sir David Naish, DL.  He was accompanied by the Rev Webb and Councillor Celia Brooks, Chairperson of Edwinstowe Parish Council.

The proceedings commenced earlier in the morning when the Parade, led by CSM Ewan Lees along with the Thoresby Colliery Band,  marched along Mansfield Road arriving at St Mary’s Church in readiness for the 10 a.m. Remembrance Service. The Parade also comprised members of the Royal British Legion, and the Village’s young people’s uniformed organisations, along with a number of individuals who had their own special reason for attending.  These included Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows – in all over 120 children from the village who have attended this event in increasing numbers over the past four years.

The Remembrance Service was led by Edwinstowe’s new Parish Priest, the Reverend Ian Webb, assisted by Lay Reader Pete Edwards.  There were 5 hymns, 3 poems, with prayerful moments.

Street lamp posts were adorned with poppies, and the Shops, too, had honoured the occasion with displays of poppies.  On railings outside the Village Hall, a wreath representing the 1^st Edwinstowe Beaver Scouts was made up from red poppies (to remember all those that died and are still dying to keep us safe) and purple poppies (to remember animals that died for us  in the first  world war).

This year, many of the poppies that were taken by residents and visitors over the two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday were made by primary school children at King Edwin School.  These children also made several of the poppy motifs that were placed on the school fencing on Fourth Avenue.

It is estimated that overall, 1,200 residents and visitors attended the Remembrance Service and parade this year, making it a record turnout for this centenary year of remembrance.  Safe road closures and diversions during the service and parade were provided by TMS Retford.