Suffolk remembers the fallen in Ipswich and in towns across the county

Thousands of people turned up for the Ipswich Remembrance service at Christchurch Park. Picture: PAUL GEATER (Image: Archant)

On a bright, cold day thousands of people turned out to Christchurch Park in Ipswich for a moving half-hour commemoration of the dead from across Suffolk.

Ipswich Mayor, Sarah Barber, lays her wreath at the Ipswich Cenotaph. Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Today’s soldiers from the Army Air Corps at nearby Wattisham air base led those who came to remember the sacrifices made by people in wars across the 20th Century and into the 21st.

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

The crowds at the Cenotaph were as large as most people could remember and featured contributions from youngsters as well as veterans.

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Robin Vickery, from the Royal British Legion (RBL), said that this year’s remembrance particularly focussed on the battles of Arras, Ipswich’s twin town in northern France, and Passchendaele which both resulted in serious loss of life in 1917.

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Suffolk’s Lord Lieutenant Clare, Countess of Euston, laid the first wreath on the Cenotaph on behalf of The Queen before Ipswich mayor Sarah Barber, councillors, and representatives the armed services, police, and other uniformed organisations also laid wreaths.

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

This year’s event is seen as something of a dress rehearsal for next year which will mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Lord Lieutenant Clare, Countess of Euston, leads the Civic party to the Remembrance Day service at Christchurch Park in Ipswich .Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Plans are already in hand for year of commemorations – with a major event being planned for next November in both Ipswich and across the country.

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Words from the Ode of Remembrance punctuated a poignant and impeccably observed service to the fallen at Woodbridge’s war memorial, where wreaths were carried and laid by representatives of more than 50 local groups.

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge rector, Reverend Canon Kevan McCormack opened the service for wreaths to be laid by local organisations and dignitaries, including Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk, Sir Edward Greenwell.

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Cliff Baldock, deputy parade marshall for the Woodbridge branch of the RBL, said: “Every year, the number of people turning out to observe Remembrance gets larger.”

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Mr Baldock’s brother, Kevin, Woodbridge RBL vice chairman and parade marshall, said: “When we joined the Legion, we heard stories that Remembrance was in decline, but we now know it’s more poignant than ever, especially in light of recent conflicts and the centenary of the First World War.

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

“We have spoken to groups throughout the town – from the rugby club, to the rowing club and the Shufflers running club – all of which have lost members in wars.”

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge RBL president, Barrie Fisk BEM, whose grandfather was in the Suffolk Regiment and fought at Ypres in the First World War, said: “Over the past six years, attendance for the services in Woodbridge has gone from about one thousand to almost four thousand.”

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Mr Fisk’s brother, Brian, laid a wreath for the Burma Star Association – for all who served in the Burma Campaign of the Second World War, including their own father.

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

The former Royal Army Ordnance Corps (now the Royal Logistic Corps) soldier’s son was also in attendance, having himself served in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.

Woodbridge Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Elsewhere, in Levington, almost 40 people gathered at the war memorial in St. Peter’s churchyard on Armistice Day to observe a short period of Remembrance, reflection and a two-minute silence.

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Parish councillor Pat Pryke said: “Remarkably, no traffic came by to disturb the quietness and the view over to the River Orwell in lovely autumn sunshine was stunning.”

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

The Rt Revd Martin Seeley, Bishop of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, joined hundreds of people on Sunday at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park, and during the afternoon preached for the Deaf Church meeting at St Nicholas, Ipswich.

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

He said: “Remembrance is a powerful and moving time for so many of us. We recall with deep gratitude those men and women who have given their lives for the protection of our country.

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

“We are so grateful that the traditions of Remembrance continue, as strong as ever, giving us time to pause and pray, to be reminded of the preciousness of so much we may take for granted, and of the terrible cost of war.”

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Almost 40 people gathered at the Levington village war memorial in St Peter's churchyard on Saturday, November 11. Picture: DAVID PRYKE (Image: (c) David Pryke)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Woodbridge Remembrance service on Sunday, Novevember 12. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Mayor of Ipswich, Sarah Barber with Deputy, Roger Fern.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Lord Lieuentant of Suffolk, Lady Clare Countess of EustonPicture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

NB 017 Ipswich Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial,Christchurch Park.Lord Lieuentant of Suffolk, Lady Clare Countess of Euston.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)