Monday 12th November 2012
They came to remember and, in scenes replicated across the UK, Chesterfield's veterans shared their private memories of war on the most public of occasions - The 11th day of the 11th month and by sleight of the calendar, Remembrance Sunday.
"At the going down of the Sun and in the morning, we will remember them " - wreaths laid at the Chesterfield War Memorial
At 11am, the town came to a standstill as villages, shops and supermarkets observed one minute's silence to honour the fallen of many wars. Services of Remembrance were also held at various points across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire throughout the day - with more taking place in the evening.
On Sunday afternoon, a cold but bright Autumn day, The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, along with other Councillors, and dignitaries including The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, William Tucker, and the Duke of Devonshire, led a parade through town and attended Chesterfield's Service of Remembrance at the Crooked Spire.
The church was full as Cadets, Scouts and representatives of the St John's Ambulance also turned out to pay their own tributes.
During the service, conducted by the Chaplain of St Mary and All Saints, Canon Rev Michael Knight, hymns including 'All people that on earth do dwell', 'O worship the King' and 'Through the sight of sound and sorrow' were sung and prayers said for the continued safety and support for troops, their families and the organisations that help them.
The reading was St Matthew 5. 1:12, and the Address was given by the Mayor's Chaplain, Reverend Richard Harris.
The congregation left church and, watched by hundreds of residents who lined the streets, made their way to the War Memorial on Rose Hill where wreaths were laid by The Lord Lieutenant, The Mayor - along with the Duke of Devonshire (pictured below) and MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins. Veterans and cadets also took part, observing a two-minute silence and then laying their own tributes in front of the Town Hall.
The Duke of Devonshire lays a wreath at the Chesterfield War Memorial on Rose Hill
Afterwards, the Chesterfield Post spoke with a representative from The Royal British Legion, and a serving officer, who told us just how important today, is for, both of them.
Firstly we spoke with Captain Colin Whitehead of the 9/12th Royal Lancers who was at the service and he told us he was very proud of the support on the streets today, "I'm particularly proud of Chesterfield as it's my home town and only last year, we received the Freedom of The Borough of Chesterfield. It was a particularly poignant event and a real privilege to be here.
"It's good to see people wearing poppies around this time and supporting us. I think over recent years, the public have generally been proactive in supporting the Armed Forces and it's really heart warming.
"For someone of my era, and with our time in Afghanistan, it's quite personal, particularly seeing the losses we have and the injured soldiers and, definitely for the families, the support they receive as well is great."
Captain Whitehead also filled us in on what was happening with the 9/12th Royal Lancers at the moment, "We're still stationed in Hohne and it's been a long haul but we're going to amalgamate with the Queen's Royal Lancers in 2015. It's not such a bad thing if ever there was a match to be made. There was the match to make and we'll embrace that, understanding there has to be cutbacks in the British Army. We're all positive and looking forward to that."
But links to Chesterfield will stay strong, "I came back up here in February and had the privilege of staying up here for a few drinks. I think post operational tour, April 2014 you may see us return for a Homecoming Parade."
Joe Roberts is a familiar face around town and is a passionate member of the Royal British Legion in Chesterfield. Having been involved in the Poppy Appeals for many years, he was thrilled that today, Chesterfield people had, once again, turned out in their droves to support the Veterans and Service Personnel. He told us, "We seem to get more coming each time and it's touching. I wasn't in conflict, but it's dawned on me the last two decades what it actually means.
"There are young men and women doing so much under great stress and I think it's coming to light what it does - not just to your body but to your mind. I think these people deserve the recognition that they get.
"Today was a typical example of just what we owe. There were thousands here today and that was a sign that we believe in them. My message to those serving in the Forces is to say 'Keep up the good work and, if you need any help, The British Legion will be with you'."
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