A POIGNANT service remembered the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces.

A parade, led by The Guards Division of the Corps of Drums, marshalled by Flight Sergeant Simon Palmer from RAF Odiham, made its way to the war memorial ahead of the annual Remembrance Sunday Service outside the Civic Offices.

Sunday’s service was led by the Reverend Kelvin Taylor, the mayor’s chaplain, from St Mark’s Church, in Kempshott. The sombre gathering watched a fly-past by RAF Odiham before the Last Post was played by Basingstoke Salvation Army, and those attending observed a two minutes’ silence. Wing Commander Gareth Bryant recited the exhortation and dedication before the reveille.

Wreaths were laid at the war memorial by representatives from local organisations, schools and colleges, including the Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Brigadier David Innes, MP Maria Miller and Hampshire Constabulary. Members of the public could also lay poppy crosses in remembrance of friends or relatives.

Cadets from 443 Squadron (Basingstoke) ATC read the poem High Flight in honour of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and Basingstoke Male Voice Choir sang Amazing Grace.

Rev Taylor spoke of the 70th anniversary of the end of war in Europe and the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, both of which were marked this year.


He told those attending: “Sadly many of those who fought in that conflict are no longer living but, of course, their memories live on through such things as books, detailing their personal experiences and audio diaries compiled after the war. For many the pain of those experiences was such that they felt unable to recall them; but some families have been privileged to have had those memories shared within them and so form part of their collective family archive.”

A second service was held on Wednesday at the War Memorial to mark Armistice Day.


People of all ages, including war veterans, gathered outside the Civic Offices, in London Road, to observe a two-minute silence in honour of those who sacrificed their lives to fight for their country.


The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Anne Court, laid a wreath at the War Memorial.


A service was also held at The Malls, where 72-year-old Michael Amey, from Popley, played the Last Post on a bugle.


The father-of-two and grandfather-of-four began learning to play six months ago and said he was “proud” to play at such an important occasion.