RESIDENTS and organisations in Northwich united to honour the brave men and women who've served their country in combat.

The town's annual Remembrance parade on Sunday, November 12, was at full strength with representatives from the Royal British Legion, army and air force cadets, scouts, guides, and the police and emergency services.

This was followed by a special service for veterans at a packed St Helen’s Church, Witton, and a wreath laying ceremony at the town's war memorial on Church Road, attended by hundreds.

Northwich Guardian: Air force cadets provided the marching music for this year's paradeAir force cadets provided the marching music for this year's parade (Image: Newsquest)

The 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 second time by the Reverend Andrew Ridley, who joined the parish team in November 2021, with readings from Mike Amesbury, member of parliament for Weaver Vale, and Northwich town mayor, Cllr Jane Thomas.

Northwich Guardian: Wreaths were laid by Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury, representatives from Northwich Town and Chesire West Councils, representatives from the armed services associations, youth groups and local charities.Wreaths were laid by Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury, representatives from Northwich Town and Chesire West Councils, representatives from the armed services associations, youth groups and local charities. (Image: Newsquest)

The wreath laying ceremony, known as the Act of Remembrance and including a bugler playing the Last Post, began at 11am, then the parade reassembled to march back down Church Way, where town mayor, Cllr Jane Thomas, took the salute.  

Mike Amesbury MP said: “As ever, Northwich has done a brilliant job. They do the community, the county, and the whole nation proud.

Northwich Guardian: Cheshire Army cadets, along with Air force cadets, formed a large part of this year's paradeCheshire Army cadets, along with Air force cadets, formed a large part of this year's parade (Image: Newsquest)

“This will be my last Remembrance Day in Northwich, so it’s quite an emotional one for me. It’s an emotional day anyway.

“It’s an important time for reflection and a chance to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.

Northwich Guardian: The parade leaving Northwich War Memorial after the Act of RemembranceThe parade leaving Northwich War Memorial after the Act of Remembrance (Image: Newsquest)

“But it’s also about a peaceful future. Every day we see conflict right across the world, whether that be in Gaza and the Middle East, or Ukraine.

“Today is a day for reflection on the need to double down our efforts internationally, to get peace.”

Northwich Guardian: Northwich War Memorial after the wreath laying ceremonyNorthwich War Memorial after the wreath laying ceremony (Image: Newsquest)

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

Northwich town mayor, Cllr Jane Thomas, said: “It’s been a fantastic day and a very poignant one.

Northwich Guardian: (L to R): Mayoral consort, Beth Thomas; Northwich town mayor, Jane Thomas; Cheshire Deputy Lieutenant, Eric Hodgson DL JP; MP for Weaver Vale, Mike Amesbury; official standard bearer, Bombardier David Scholes formerly of 100th Regiment, Royal Artillery. David completed four tours of Iraq and two of Afganistan.(L to R): Mayoral consort, Beth Thomas; Northwich town mayor, Jane Thomas; Cheshire Deputy Lieutenant, Eric Hodgson DL JP; MP for Weaver Vale, Mike Amesbury; official standard bearer, Bombardier David Scholes formerly of 100th Regiment, Royal Artillery. David completed four tours of Iraq and two of Afganistan. (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s our chance to honour this town’s proud veterans, and for us to share in the memory of those have given their lives in service.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to the town council staff, to Reverend Ridley, and all the other organisers, for once again making sure the day runs without a hitch, or for preserving the great dignity of the occasion.”