The community came together in Sevenoaks on Sunday 8 November to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives to defend our freedom. Over 1,000 people gathered at the Vine for the Sevenoaks Remembrance Service and Parade.
Revd Canon Angus MacLeay led the service, which was described by members of the public as ‘beautiful’ and ‘brilliant’. This was his last Remembrance Service prior to his retirement, and the Order of Service recognised his 20 years of commitment. During the service, Fr Piotr from St Thomas Church also delivered a reading, and Sgt Engelbrecht recited the Kohima Prayer.
Uniformed groups paraded to the recently restored Vine War Memorial, including from Sevenoaks Sea Cadets, Air Training Corps, Army Cadet Force, Sevenoaks Guides and Sevenoaks District Scout Council.
The talented Eynsford Concert Band performed during the event, and the Last Post was played by the Sea Cadets before the two-minute silence was observed.
The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Victoria Granville, along with the Mayor’s Cadet, laid the first wreath, followed by HM Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Lord Sackville, Laura Trott MBE MP, and Kent County Councillor Richard Streatfeild MBE. Representatives from more than 35 organisations and associations then each laid a wreath to pay their respects.
Leading up to the event, Sevenoaks Town Council asked volunteers to knit or crochet poppies to displayed near the War Memorial along the Vine. Special thanks go to all those who took the time to contribute to the display.
The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Victoria Granville, said, “Thank you to everyone involved in organising and leading the Sevenoaks Remembrance Service and Parade. It was a moving occasion, and it was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout, with so many members of the community coming together in remembrance. It was particularly special this year to gather around the Vine War Memorial following the Town Council’s recent restoration, and to appreciate the excellent work that has been done to restore this monument for the community.”
On Wednesday 11 November, the community is invited to attend Sevenoaks Town Council’s Armistice Day Service at Greatness Cemetery at 10:45am. The Mayor of Sevenoaks will lay crosses on the war graves and Fr Robin Jones from St John the Baptist Church will lead prayers in remembrance of the fallen.
