Historic Remembrance Sunday

A very different Remembrance Sunday was marked around the Wetherby and Tadcaster district last Sunday.

Because of Coronavirus lockdown, people were urged to stay at home and pay their respects to the fallen of conflicts with two minutes’ silence on their doorsteps.

In Wetherby wreaths were laid at the bridge memorial by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, MP Alex Shelbrooke, Town Mayor Coun Neil O’Byrne, Edna Hilditch BEM, President and Major (Rtd) Tom Smith, Chairman, of Wetherby & District Royal British Legion. Tim Ritson of Wetherby Lions later laid a wreath.

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In Tadcaster local businessman Melvin Pratt, who has been attending Remembrance Day services in the town for the past 30 years, said although a formal event had not gone ahead because of the virus, people had turned up to pay their respects.

“An unnamed piper came from York and played before and after a bugler, who played the last post,” said Mr Pratt of Tadcaster Carpets and Furnishing.

“It wasn’t an organised event but random people, between 40-50, people just turned up.

“A representative from the Salvation Army said a few words and the Mayor of Tadcaster laid a wreath. It was good and a piece of history.”

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Villages around the district paid their respects. Collingham knitters organised a display of Giant poppies on the village hall and Tockwith had a display.

Tadcaster Scouts and Beavers, who would normally be in the main parade in the town, joined online to pay tribute.

Edna Hilditch of Wetherby and District Royal British Legion added of Remembrance Sunday: “There were only three of us in Church on Sunday for the Act of Remembrance.

“Brendan conducted a lovely service. It was just such a shame there wasn’t a congregation there but they did live stream it on their Facebook page,”

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Respects were also paid by officials on Wetherby Town Hall steps on Armistice Day.

A Wetherby care home has been praised for their touching poppy display to mark Remembrance Day.

The residents of Wetherby Manor care home on St James’ Street have produced a display of poppies and artwork.

With the help of the care team, they made painted special heart shaped stones, furniture decorations and a ‘Lest We Forget’ poster complete with red and purple poppies to acknowledge the people and animals who served.

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The display has been set up in Wetherby Manor’s lounges and willows annex so that all the residents can enjoy the artwork for themselves. Special decorations and some of the artwork have also been placed in the front windows of the home so that members of the public can enjoy them as well.

Glenys Williams, 82, who has been a resident at Wetherby Manor since 2015, said: “It was great fun and I’m glad people can enjoy it from outdoors, even if they can’t come in to see it right now.

“We’ve always done something nice for Remembrance Day and it means a lot to me to make something special to remember those who gave their lives for us.”