RESIDENTS and organisations came together as Northwich paid its respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The town's annual Remembrance Sunday parade returned to full strength and was followed by a special service for veterans at St Helen’s Church and a wreath laying ceremony at the town's cenotaph.

Today's parade assembled on Crum Hill at 9.50am, before turning left on to Church Way and then on to Church Road.  

The service in St Helen’s Church began at 10.15am, led for the first time by the Reverend Andrew Ridley, who joined the parish team in November 2021.

The wreath laying ceremony, known as the Act of Remembrance, began at 11am, after which the parade reassembled to march back down Church Way, where the town mayor, Cllr Graham Emmett, took the salute.  

Northwich Guardian: Crowds at Northwich Cenotaph for the Act of Remembrance (Rob Goulding)Crowds at Northwich Cenotaph for the Act of Remembrance (Rob Goulding) (Image: Rob Goulding)

Northwich town councillor for Witton ward, Sam Naylor, said: “Those who actually remember the fallen, the ones who were actually there in the Second World War, are getting fewer and fewer, but we do have one or two here today.

“It’s wonderful to see so many youngsters involved too, because they need to realise the sacrifices people have made for the freedoms they enjoy today.

“It’s so pleasing to see such great levels of attendance - it seems to increase year on year. And we’ve been blessed by really beautiful weather.  

“I have to commend Chris Shaw and Northwich Town Council who put it all together. The whole morning couldn’t have gone better.”

Northwich town mayor, Cllr Graham Emmett, said: "I think it went really well. It was the first time Reverend Andrew had done the service here in Northwich, and he did a tremendous job.

“And as usual, town clerk Chris Shaw timed everything to the second." 

Northwich Guardian: Northwich Cenotaph after the wreath laying (Rob Goulding)Northwich Cenotaph after the wreath laying (Rob Goulding) (Image: Rob Goulding)

This year saw veterans take a prominent position in the parade for the first time in several years, thanks to the coordinating efforts of Northwich veterans’ group representative Andy Morrey, who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

In recent years, the number of former soldiers, sailors, airmen and auxiliaries attending the parade has dwindled, to the point where those who do attend have joined the crowds following behind.

The event was organised by Northwich Town Council, in partnership with St Helen’s Church and the Royal British Legion.