Remembrance

WAR veterans gathered with crowds in Uckfield and Heathfield on Sunday to remember those who laid down their lives for their country.

Uckfield

Following a full to capacity service at Uckfield Parish Church, led by the Rector, the Rev Brian Wilcox, the Remembrance procession made its way from Luxford field car park to Church Street, via the High Street.

The procession, which in previous years had formed from Bell Farm Lane, was cut short this year to spare veterans the longer walk up the steep hill.

The procession was led by the Uckfield branch of the Royal British Legion and the Legion s Women s Section, each with their standards. They were followed by Uckfield s mayor, Cllr Barrie Murray and the deputy mayor, Cllr Hilary Cary.

The procession was completed by members of the town s branch of the Burma Star Association and by various youth organisations, including the Air Training Corps and the Nautical Training Corps.

The parade was marshalled by Warrant Officer Alan Mitchell. Around 20 wreaths were laid at the memorial. Salutes were taken by the mayor and the Last Post was sounded by Uckfield Community College student Andrew Macfarlane.

Heathfield

Members of the Heathfield and Waldron branch of the Royal British Legion held a Remembrance service at All Saints Church, Old Heathfield.

The Reverend Geoff Pickering read the Roll of Honour of those killed or missing in the two World Wars before Royal British Legion branch president, Roddy Petley, said the Exhortation.

The two minutes silence was then observed, before a procession made up of Army Cadet Force members made its way to the War Memorial at Cade Street.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council, the Royal British Legion, the Ladies Section of the Heathfield Branch, and the Army Cadet Force.