SILENCE fell as people gathered to honour members of the armed forces who died fighting for their country.
Winchester City Council leaders were joined by members of the Royal British Legion on the steps of the Guildhall for two minutes of silence at 11am on November 11, 104 years after World War One ended.
Vice-chairman of The Buglers Association of The Light Division & Rifles Dave Mence and ex-serviceman Kieran Rowley from Medi 4 Ambulance Service played The Last Post from the top of the Guildhall steps to begin the two minutes of silence.
Members of the public stood, with many wearing poppies, along the Broadway to watch and pay their respects. People flocked from the area after chaplain to the mayor, Rev’d Graham Topping brought the memorial event to a close.
READ MORE: Garden of Remembrance opens outside Winchester Cathedral
Winchester City Council leader Martin Tod said: “Remembrance Day and Armistice Day are still things that people in Winchester feel very strongly about. The city has a long history with many of the people who died in the trencher having passed through Winchester.
“It’s important to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and also a chance to show our support for the Royal British Legion who do so much for veterans not just in Winchester but the whole country.”
Women’s chairman for the Royal British Legion in Hampshire, Sue Butcher, said: “It’s lovely to see that everyone to stopped to remember.”
Bugler Dave Mence has been playing at remembrance services in Winchester since 1970. He said: “It’s always a joy.” Fellow bugler Kieran Rowley added: “It’s an honour and a privilege.”
To hear the Remembrance Day performance of The Last Post watch the Chronicle's Facebook Live video below:
Poppy sellers from the Royal British Legion have based themselves along Winchester High Street ahead of Remembrance Sunday. The mayor, Cllr Derek Green, will be helping the volunteers on Saturday, November 12. He revealed that he’s hoping to beat his predecessors by selling the highest number of poppies.
SEE ALSO: Remembrance Sunday in Winchester: Road closures, timings, latest news
Ex-serviceman Terry Pattison stands outside Sainsburys every Friday for two hours to raise money for the Salvation Army. The 83-year-old said: “It’s very important to remember those we lost. At one time people wanted to do away with Remembrance Day but time has shown how much it still means to people.
“There are lots of ex-servicemen in Winchester, some who are homeless, and the more we can help them the better.”
Winchester’s Remembrance parade will begin around 9.25am along the Broadway as the procession marches to the cathedral’s west door before a civic procession and service inside the cathedral at 10am.
People will then gather shortly before 11am, in the Outer Close for the official two minutes of silence.
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