More than 100 people turned up in Basildon town centre yesterday to pay their respects to the soldiers who fought for our freedom in two world wars.

The parade made its way to the St Martin’s War Memorial where an Act of Remembrance was held.

Following the sounding of the Last Post, the crowd hushed as the two-minute silence was observed.

Wreaths were then laid on the memorial and a service was held in St Martin’s church.

Among those in attendance were Conservative MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, Stephen Metcalfe, Basildon mayor, David Harrison, and Basildon Labour Party leader, Gavin Callaghan.

In addition, a variety of youth organisations attended, including Basildon Sea Cadets and Essex Scouts.

But the crowd was almost doubled by members of the public who took a break from their Sunday tasks to pay their respects and remember the Fallen.

Rebecca Long, 32, a mum-of-two from Basildon, said: “I think it is really important to come to these services.

“I got my kids out of their beds to come down here.”

Linda Barnes, 58, a cleaner, also from Basildon, said: “I love coming down to see the youngsters get involved in Remembrance Day. They always look so adorable in their uniforms.”

Most of the crowd stayed for the service in St Martin’s church.

Southend

Hundreds came to lay wreaths and show their respect for the fallen soldiers during this year’s Remembrance Day service in Southend.

The parade began at 10:30am yesterday and marched to the Southend Cenotaph in Southend’s Cliff Gardens, arriving at 10:50am.

The service at the Southend Cenotaph was led by the mayor’s chaplain, Father Clive Hillman and the Archdeacon of Southend, the Venerable Mike Lodge.

Leading the parade was the Southend ATC 1312 Squadron who were playing the drums as they marched to the Cenotaph.

At 11am, not a word was spoken as the crowd observed a two-minute silence and bowed their heads to remember the fallen.

In attendance were Southend West MP, Sir David Amess, along with Rochford and Southend East MP, James Duddridge, and Southend’s mayor, Fay Evans.

In addition, the Royal British Legion were in attendance along with many members of the public who came to pay their respects.

All ages came, from small toddlers to those who can still remember the Second World War.

Councillor Judith McMahon, for the Kursaal Ward, was at the service.
She said: “The sun shone for a period of the day and the wind was very strong but the veterans who were there were so dignified.”

Councillor Mark Flewitt also attended and said: “It was a very solemn occasion. But it was one of the biggest we have ever had.”

Canvey

More than 100 people turned up to pay their respect to fallen soldiers at the Remembrance Sunday service on Canvey.

The service was held at the the grounds of the Paddocks in Long Road, Canvey, at 10.40am.

It was conducted by Reverend Canon David Tudor, the Rector of Canvey Island and the Rural Dean of Hadleigh.

The music was spectacularly led by the Thundersley Brass Band who played for a huge audience.

At 11am, the crowd hushed as the two-minute silence was observed.
In attendance were Castle Point MP, Rebecca Harris, most of the Castle Point councillors, the army cadets, the Sea Scouts and, of course, the Royal British Legion.

Angie Wynn, from Canvey’s branch of the Royal British Legion, was delighted with the turnout, saying it beat last year’s.
She said: “It was great. Loads of people turned up, even more than last year.

“I do think it’s important to come to these events.

“It’s important to remember soldiers both past and present who should never be forgotten.

“Next year marks 100 years since the end of the First World War and it should be a successful event.”

Different political parties attended the ceremony to show their respect and lay wreaths.

Canvey Island Independent Party laid a wreath with the message: “In memory of those whom sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”