Dear residents of Uttoxeter, I would like to say how proud I am to be mayor of this wonderful town.
The past week has shown yet again that our community cares and is very patriotic. We had a very enjoyable Poppy Afternoon Tea which sold out very quickly, people attended not just from Uttoxeter but further afield having heard what a great event it is. Thanks to Twinkle Fingers Carol Bradbury for getting everyone singing with her excellent keyboard skills and her amusing commentary, Carol holds dances twice a month, on Thursday’s in the Town Hall they are well liked and well attended, do go along and have some fun.
Thank you to all of those who helped and sponsored the event including fellow Councillors, McDonald’s Staff , the Town Hall, The Vintage Tea Emporium, The Knights, and The Poppy Appeal.
The photographs illustrate the fun people had singing and enjoying a nice high tea together, whilst also remembering those who were lost in conflict.
On Thursday morning I attended the Remembrance service at Rycroft School in Rocester with Councillor Linda Sylvester.
I have read on social media comments regarding young people perhaps forgetting the sacrifices made by their ancestors to keep our democratic freedoms ; this service left me in no doubt that our young children are keen to remember and it is for us the older generation to instil the knowledge and sense of civic pride to enable them to continue to take part in the acts of remembrance.
The service was incredibly moving, a makeshift memorial was set out in the school hall with the names and pictures of the men from Rocester and surrounding villages who gave their lives in all conflicts projected on to the rear wall. The youngest children had taken part in a project to research members of their families who fought in the wars , some of the stories are heart wrenching. We were given wreaths to lay on the memorial and then three of the older boys read out the names of the fallen, a child came forward and placed a cross for each name. A very moving poem was read and a beautiful song was sung and signed by the school choir. The whole service was very emotional and I think praise must go to Ms. Pauline Kelly for the original idea and to Head teacher Mrs Grattage and her staff for encouraging the children to research and care about their family history and the roles played by their relatives in various wars.
On Saturday the 11th of November at 11 a.m. , I attended with many others at the War Memorial in the market square to take part in the two minute silence. Thank you for those who took the time out of their day to pay their respects.
I was greatly disappointed at the lack of respect shown by car drivers, motorcyclists and a bus who revered its engine up during the observance and someone who pulled on to the road alongside the area of reflection, is it too much to ask that when you witness such a solemn occasion taking place at the War Memorial you could sit for two minutes silently, for some it clearly is not, shame on you.
On Sunday we paraded through the town to the War Memorial lead by the Town Band, the Royal British Legion, The Royal Navel Association, the Cadets, past and present serving members of the Armed Forces , Girl Guides and Scouts, Knights, Police , Fire Service , NFU, and a wide spectrum of other organisations . How encouraging to see so many of you gathered together to join in this very important occasion. I understand from Mr. Philip Hudson chairman of the Royal British Legion that thirty two wreaths were laid on the War Memorial this year , more than expected which shows that people do care and do remember the sacrifices made by our men and women to keep this country safe. After the wreath laying the service in St Marys Parish Church took place, this is always very moving and an excellent sermon was delivered by the Rev. Chris Brown. The list of the names of those lost in conflict in all wars is so long each name a loved family member, lost to future generations and to their communities but thankfully not forgotten , we will remember them.
Thank you to the Town Hall staff for laying on a nice buffet for those who marched in the parade .
Thank you again to everyone who took the time over this past week to remember.
Take care
Helen
Helen Headech
Mayor
Uttoxeter Town Council