Monday 10th November 2014
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 - Remembrance Sunday - this year, the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War One.
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, dignitaries including The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and The High Sherrif of Derbyshire led a parade through town (below) 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, Reverend Patrick Coleman, his first as Vicar of Chesterfield, hymns including Abide With Me and Thine Be The Glory were sung and prayers said for the continued safety and support for troops, their families and the organisations that help them.
The parade through Town
The address was given by Rev Coleman who talked about the respect for human dignity - so often missing in war - and the need to respect humanity, saying, "In this politically and historically important year, it is important that we respect the dignity of every other member of the human race. The church exists to bring about dignity. We have a common cause with goodwill, whether you believe in God or not."
The Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Alexis Diouf lays a wreath at the War Memorial on Rose Hill
Having left the church, the congregation, 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 of Derbyshire, The Mayor and MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins.
MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins, lays a wreath at the War Memorial on Rose Hill
Veterans and cadets also took part, observing a two-minute silence and then laying their own tributes in front of the Town Hall.
One serving soldier who solemnly laid his wreath at the Cenotaph - on behalf of his regiment the 9th /12th Lancers - was Jacob Hardy from Chesterfield (video above), watched by proud members of his family, who have just welcomed him back from Germany.
After watching her son leave his tribute at the memorial his mum, Suzanne Neep told The Chesterfield Post that she was fit to burst, "It was brilliant, fantastic, I'm so proud of him! Words can't describe it! I'm the proudest mum in the world.
"When he's away - even when they're not fighting - every day is a worry, you hear on the news that they are going back to Iraq and you think 'oh no, I don't want any of them to go back' - not just mine but other soldiers. The 9th/12th Lancers are a massive family, but that's my little boy!
"Every year there seems to be more and more people come and I'm very proud."
Listen to an interview with Suzanne here...
His Worship The Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Alexis Diouf, also echoed the sentiments of Suzanne and her pride in the town turnout, telling us, "It's a very proud moment in my life and one of the pinnacles of my Mayoralty. It's a special occasion, in the hundredth year - a wonderful parade and I hope everyone who went to church has listened to the vicar's sermon about unity and working for peace all over the world and not differentiating about who is who.
"Everyone's contributions - and I pay tribute to our team here led by Sandra who worked very hard to make it happen - Chesterfield should be proud of how they turn up when it really matters.
"The military leader leading the parade said to me that he couldn't believe the turnout saying 'Chesterfield has done you proud' - they really have!"
His Worship was particularly proud to see the young faces taking part in the parades throughout the town today, adding, "It gave me great pleasure at Staveley this morning to see a number of young people there, we have to pass this remembrance on from generation to generation.
"On Tuesday, we will have over 500 children here taking part on the 11th hour and that is testimony of what Chesterfield can do and that is how we raise our children here. It's not just today remembering what has happened - there are still people suffering from war and conflict and they need our prayers and support.
"It's about working towards peace. It's my prayer that we all work for peace around the world and we all have our part to play in that."
For the first time - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has also laid a remembrance day wreath in Chesterfield.
Bishop Mark Hamilton of Chesterfield congregation, attended the Remembrance service at the Crooked Spire and the following parade to the cenotaph.
The message on the wreath read "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13.
The image in the center of the wreath is of the temple at Preston, used by committed members of the church who attend to achieve a deeply spiritual experience, by renewing to the promises they have made in a very beautiful and peaceful environment.
The temple is at the core of church members belief that families can be together forever. To view the gallery and learn more about temples see the website at www.lds.org/church/temples
Bishop Hamilton said "Members of the church locally have sacrificed over 150 man hours of their time to support the Royal British legion Poppy Appeal, raising funds throughout their campaigns recently. To lay this wreath is another great privilege and acknowledgement of our appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives so we enjoy the freedom today to worship according to the dictates of our own conscience."
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