Horley Remembers
On Sunday, 9th November, Horley commemorated Remembrance Day with its annual Parade and Service at the Memorial Gardens, paying tribute to all those who served and sacrificed their lives in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
The event opened with a Parade led by the Redhill Corps of Drums & Band, followed by veterans, councillors, Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Army Cadets, local schools and community groups who marched along Victoria Road from the Horley RBL headquarters on Albert Road.
An impressive turnout of residents and visitors came together to pay their respects at the Memorial Gardens. A vast collection of poppy wreaths could be seen reverently placed at the War Memorial by representatives of the Royal British Legion, local government, schools, cadet groups and other local organisations. The Deputy Lieutenant for Surrey, Colonel A.P. Guthrie laid the King’s Wreath and Chris Coghlan MP joined local government officials in the wreath-laying ceremony, including from Surrey County Council, Cllr Andy Lynch, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Leader, Cllr Richard Biggs and Horley Town Mayor, Cllr Lynnette Easterbrook.
The service was led by Reverend Canon Les Wells and featured a heartfelt address and prayers, with the congregation singing hymns along with the National Anthem together, paying tribute to and reflecting on the sacrifices of others. Our thanks are also sent to Horley Baptist Church for their assistance in printing out 800 Orders of Service for distribution.
Earlier in the week, on 5th November, the Garden of Remembrance was rededicated in a special ceremony led by the local clergy and opened by Horley Town Mayor, Cllr Lynnette Easterbrook, to honour those members of the Horley Branch who had sadly passed away during the year.
This annual event stood as a moving reminder of the courage and dedication of those who have served in the armed forces as well as the importance of peace.
On Tuesday, 11 November, residents came together in Horley Town Centre to observe the National Two Minutes’ Silence for Armistice Day, paying tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
