In a difficult year and in the middle of a second lockdown to reduce the spread of Covid, Remembrance Day in Swanage was still able to be commemorated by young and old alike.
At 11 am, on the 11th, of the 11th 2020, the town fell silent to observe a two minute silence to remember those killed in the two world wars and the members of the armed forces killed or injured since 1945.
Swanage fire crew alongside the South Western Ambulance team
Many residents observed the silence from their doorstep, while the Swanage fire crew, alongside the South Western Ambulance team stood on the forecourt of Swanage Fire Station to remember the war heroes of the past.
Swanage Mayor, councillor Mike Bonfield and Chairman of the Swanage British Legion, Steve Churchill at Swanage War Memorial
Swanage British Legion
At the Swanage War Memorial, a scaled back service was conducted by the Reverend John Cooper and attended by Chairman of the Swanage British Legion, Steve Churchill, and Swanage Mayor, councillor Mike Bonfield.
The Last Post and Reveille was performed by John Bailey, who served 33 years in the army, retiring last year. He took time out from his new job, delivering online shopping for Sainsbury’s to attend the ceremony.
Little Birds Pre-school
Many young people also took part in marking the day across schools in Swanage. Among them were the children from Little Birds Pre-school, based at St Mark’s Primary School, who painted pebbles with poppies and made their own colourful poppy wreaths.
They also created an amazing tree of remembrance, learning about the history of two world wars and the soldiers who have fought for their country.
Even the sand pit at Little Birds Pre-school appropriately marked Remembrance Day
