A moving tribute to war heroes

CLECKHEATON came to a respectful standstill on Saturday as a new British Legion standard was paraded through the town.

Following a dedication ceremony at St John’s Church, Spenborough Royal British Legion members, veterans, civic dignitaries and young cadets held a parade in the streets of the town centre.

Branch chairman Eddie Morton said it had been a very successful and moving occasion.

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“There was a really good attendance, and as the parade moved through the town, people lined the streets and were very respectful. There was even some applause in places,” he said.

The church service was conducted by the Rev Brunel James and the old standard was then laid up in St John’s alongside the original one which dates back to 1922.

“It was looking a bit tired and the late Jane Gummer suggested we have a new one. It’s only the third since the Spenborough Branch was formed and with it also being the 90th anniversary of the British Legion being founded we thought we would mark the birthday with a new standard,” said Eddie.

The parade was led by band of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and included the Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Major Stan Hardy, the Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees Coun Andrew and Mrs Liz Palfreeman, Lord and Lady Shaw, MP Mike Wood, local army cadets, combined cadet forces from Batley Grammar School, British Legion members from Spenborough and surrounding branches, veterans, Chamber of Trade representatives and local councillors.

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As the parade returned to the town hall Major Hardy took the salute.

“We are delighted to have the new standard which will be used during future British Legion parades,” added Eddie.

“We were pleased that Jane Gummer’s husband, Peter, was also there. She was a valued and well respected British Legion member, and it was at her instigation that we got the new standard, though sadly she wasn’t here to see it come to fruition. We are sure she would have been very proud.”

l For more pictures visit www.spenboroughguardian.co.uk.