Shinfield honours the fallen at Remembrance Sunday service

Shinfield Remembrance Sunday

The community of Shinfield gathered this morning at the parish war memorial on School Green to mark Remembrance Sunday and remember the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in past conflicts.

A parade, assembling at 10:15 am, marched at 10:45 am from the health centre to the war memorial, with representatives of local schools, youth organisations, uniformed groups, and veterans forming in the procession.

At 10:50 am the service began under beautiful skies and in respectful silence.

The proceedings were jointly led by Revd Nathan Hunt of the Shinfield Community Church and Revd Nigel Beer, St Mary's Church. Their words paid tribute to those who laid down their lives in service, and to the community’s duty of remembrance.

During the service readings were given, hymns were sung and a two-minute silence was observed at the 11 o’clock hour. The laying of wreaths followed, with dignitaries, local organisations and representatives of youth and civic bodies placing poppy wreaths at the war-memorial stone.

Among those laying wreaths were local councillors, veterans from the Royal British Legion branch, schoolchildren, youth cadet groups and uniformed organisations including Scouts, Guides and cadets. The parade and service drew well over 400 residents.

Following the formal ceremony, those attending were invited for refreshments at the School Green Centre, giving residents a chance to reflect, share memories and pay personal tribute in a more informal setting.

Local resident Lynda said: “It is always an honour to support the Remembrance Sunday. It was pleasing to see our community gather to pay their respects to those who laid down their lives for our country.”

As the final notes of “God Save the King” faded and the crowds dispersed, the message was clear: though the years pass, the duty to remember and honour remains steadfast.