Police Memorial Day 2011
25th September 2010
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The National Police Memorial Parade was held in Glasgow this year but for the last six years, due to the efforts of Ps 454 Neil Goodwin of Avon and Somerset Police, this Constabulary held their own Memorial Parade to honour officers of the Force who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Through Glynn Kettleborough, members of the Chapter have been invited for the last two years and assist with traffic control as well as participating in the procession.
This year, along with Glynn and Ruth on their separate bikes, Cookie, Muddy, Dave Hardaway (from sunny Delabole in Cornwall) and myself travelled on rainy roads to meet for a cuppa and cake on Weston sea front, as the sun began to shine, before congregating at the nearbye Walliscote School where the parade was to start and refreshments were provided. Members of the regular and Special Constabulary were joined by the Avon Fire and Rescue Drill Squad and Band and two Police horses, with the Standards of the Avon and Somerset Police and Avon Fire and Rescue Service being proudly carried for the parade, commencing at 1445. We Brits do specialise in ceremonial occasions and special mention must be made of the general turnout of the Parade but with particular mention of the local Officers in traditional uniform, with the stand-up collar and the Fire Service representatives in their impressive ceremonial uniforms.
Our own Simon Anderson turned up on his Rocket 3 to swell the England XIV numbers, some members performing traffic control on the junctions with others bringing up the rear of the parade on its short route from the school to the Clarence Park Baptist Church, Walliscote Road, a salute being taken part way by local dignitaries and ranking Police Officers.
At 1500, there then followed a moving and personal service, conducted by the Rev. Steve Christian of the Clarence Park Church with an address by Craig Manley of Avon and Somerset Police and lay-preacher and Andy Paget, Senior Force Chaplain.
During the Service, candles of remembrance were lit by relatives of the fallen and attending dignitaries and a lengthy list of those to be remembered was read out. Avon and Somerset Police Male voice choir featured magnificently as did the Fire Service buglers.
Following the service, the participants were able to enjoy an excellent buffet in the Church, during which the Lord Lieutenant, Mayor, Council leader and local Superintendent spoke, praising those participating and remembering those for whom the day was dedicated. The chief organiser, to whom great credit must go, Sgt Neil Goodwin also thanked those present. Well done Neil.
Ithink those attending will feel that the little effort required was worthwhile and would have felt pride in attendance, remembering fallen colleagues, known or otherwise. Lets have a larger Chapter attendance next year folks
Pat Sturman
Chapter Editor
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