North Herts residents flocked to Remembrance Sunday services across Baldock, Hitchin, Letchworth and beyond, marking the centenary of the end of the First World War.
In Letchworth, residents gathered around the town’s war memorial in Station Place. At 11am, Angel Wings doves were released – coinciding with the two-minute silence to remember those who were lost and for future peace.
Letchworth event co-ordinator Di Adkins said: “There was a fantastic turn out for the centenary Remembrance Sunday service, more than ever before.
“The sunshine was an added bonus, along with the beautiful sight of the doves of peace being released to remember all those who have been lost.”
Baldock hosted a commemorative service on Saturday with local churches and the Baldock branch of the Royal British Legion to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice.
Sunday’s service was held at the Baldock War Memorial in High Street. Following the two-minute silence, the church bells at St Mary’s were rung by Knights Templar students past and present.
In Hitchin, the town centre service – which was lead by Canon Michael Roden – was screened live in Market Place, along with the one held at the London Cenotaph.
During the remembrance service the names of the Hitchin men who died during the war were read out. This was followed by a one-hour children’s art project.
A service was also held at St Faith’s Church in Woolgrove Road.
In St Ippolyts, the service was lead by Rev Ginni Dear and featured readings and prayers by the 4th Hitchin and St Ippolyts cubs.
Cubs, Rainbows and Brownies all attended in uniform and after a service aimed at children, the congregation processed outside to the village war memorial.
The Last Post and a minute’s silence was observed by the children and they laid their poppies one by one at the base of the memorial.
This was watched by the eldest resident of the village, aged 97, who fought in the Second World War himself.
All Saints Church in St Paul’s Walden celebrated and remembered the sacrifices made by a previous generation with four services.
Bugler and Standard Bearer Tim Hobman – who has a long association with All Saints’ as a choir boy and musician as well as be a member of the local branch of the Royal British Legion – took part at the 11am service at All Saints’ and at the war memorial as he has for many years.
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