Town upholds Armistice Day tradition with service

The town has marked Armistice Day since 1921

A town that has continued to uphold its Remembrance Day traditions for more than 100 years has held its annual service.

Bedworth in Warwickshire has marked 11 November at the exact hour, day and month every year since 1921, when school teacher Alfred Lawrence, who served in World War One, organised the first parade.

Organisers said the event had grown "beyond all recognition" but retained its fundamental role of honouring those who died in the World Wars and conflicts since, welcoming thousands of people each year.

The Reverend David Poultney said dignitaries met at the church before the parade and service at the war memorial. "I think it's really important as a town we remember," he said.

Arnold said he served in World War Two, with his father serving in the previous conflict

Arnold, a 99-year-old veteran at the event, said he served in World War Two, adding his father had seen action in the previous conflict.

His father was in an explosion and survived but used to "stutter" a lot afterwards, he said.

Arnold said Armistice Day "means a hell of a lot", adding: "It brings back memories. Some memories are very, very good and some are very, very bad."

"I've been doing it now for 42 years," he said.

"When people pay their respects – how can I put it, it's lovely," he said. "I'm glad everybody does pay their respects, because people who died, they've done that for people to live."

This year, the church had a cascade of poppies made from wool

The vicar said: "It's so easy just to be swayed by whatever the latest thing in front of our screens is or what the latest message is.

"Actually, history really roots us and it's really important to remember the sacrifices and the costs people have made for the freedom today – let us hold on to that freedom."

He said his grandfather was an RAF pilot and was shot down and remained over enemy lines for months, adding: "I remember him and the cost that he paid, that actually means we can be free today."

The annual parade and service was held at the war memorial

This year, a curtain of nearly 15,000 hand-knitted and crocheted poppies was put up at the tower of All Saints church, created by Bedworth Belles Women's Institute (WI).

Steph Morris, from the WI, who took part in the parade with other WI members, said: "We started off with a target of about 8,000 and we've ended up with just under 15,000.

"We've had poppies sent from all over."

She said: "It's brought lots of people together – loads of people have said I've made more friends through this than I have ever since I've been here."

Ms Morris said: "It's the first time for Bedworth to have something like this, so it's a really proud moment."

It was important to remember the sacrifices made, the vicar said