Wharfedale in Remembrance 2013

On Remembrance Sunday in 2013, 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron took part in various parades and services in the local area.

The first event took place in the town of Addingham where a church service was followed by a parade led by the Squadrons band to the memorial in the town. Here the Last Post and Reveille were played excellently by Cadet Sam Shaw. A wreath was also laid here by Cadet Warrant Officer Tom Smith on his last Remembrance day as a cadet.

Following the Addingham parade the Squadron made its way to the Abbeyfield Care Home where an excellent lunch was provided for the cadets and staff by the Squadrons Civilian Committee. At Abbeyfield the band played a few pieces of music for the residents of the care home before setting off for the Ilkley parade.

The Ilkley parade was in a slightly different format than in previous years and set off from the Town Hall to the Memorial Gardens led by the band. The Squadron were also joined for this parade by the OC Central & East Yorkshire Wing, Wing Commander Wiggins.

The service at the Ilkley Memorial gardens was host to a number of dignitaries who paid their respects and the Squadrons wreath here was laid by one of the Squadrons newest members, Cadet Isla Lury. The Last Post and Reveille were also played by Cadet Sam Shaw here. Cadet Callum Carslaw also played a Lament on the bagpipes.

Overall it was another excellent parade by the Squadron who definitely did themselves proud!

From Wing Commander Wiggins - 'Just a quick note to say thank you for your hospitality and the invitation to attend as part of your Sqn Remembrance Parade.

It is only as part of the organisation at grass routes level that you really appreciate the time and commitment by staff and cadets to support these local events and the pivotal part units play. 1224 Sqn made a significant contribution with the band and cadets on parade. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all for their willingness to be on parade. The individual cadets performing with pipes and bugle did a great job despite the cool conditions and the spectacle of the occasion.

It was a pleasure to join with you today and would request you pass on my thanks to all at 1224 for the opportunity.'

From Pat Bateman, Vicar at All Saints Church Ilkley - 'The contribution of your squadron was excellent and very much added to the Ilkley remembrance parade.'