Sandwell mayor praises 'sea of people' at Remembrance ceremony

From the veterans who have witnessed war with their own eyes, to schoolchildren learning about conflict for the first time.

Young and old stood shoulder to shoulder in poignant ceremonies to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.

Sandwell's Deputy Mayor Councillor Shirley Hosell and her husband, Councillor David Hosell, paid their respects at West Bromwich's ceremony, held at the revamped Dartmouth Park.

Officially opened in September, the revamp was six years in the making and cost £6.4million, including a new pavilion, pools and play areas, as well as cleaning up the war memorial.

The Deputy Mayor said thousands attended the ceremony, including a lot of youngsters with their parents, which went 'absolutely fantastically'.

The event had gone 'absolutely fantastically' and she wanted to thank everybody that gave their time to make the event possible, such as the groups in the parade and the veterans: "Everybody played their part and it was marvellous.

"This was probably of more significance because it was 100 years since the First World War, but what is more significant is everybody enjoyed the day as a form of remembrance. It was a memorable experience and I hope that things continue in that vein."

At least 2,000 gathered for Wednesbury's ceremony, which RBL Chairman Leigh Jones said was the biggest turn out they have had for years.

"The area around the cenotaph itself was absolutely chocka block, you couldn't move. They all came back to the club after and had to stand outside as the club wasn't big enough. It was amazing.

"They come back to our British Legion club for some food and chat about old times, it's great."

He believed the weather played a key role in getting so many people out to the ceremony: "We always have a good turn out but this year is extra special, it has really been great."

For a small town the event got bigger and bigger every year, he said, and the club's Poppy Appeal organiser Linda Yates worked hard throughout the year to make the day a success.

An event also took place at Wood Green Cemetery, where Mayor of Sandwell Derek Rowley was among those laying wreaths.

In Oldbury, twice as many people attended the Remembrance event than usual, and RBL Chairman Tony Beale estimates 3000 turned up to the morning's memorial.

Usually between 1000 and 1500 attend, he said: "What a fantastic turn out from the people of Oldbury and Sandwell....being the 100 year anniversary of the First World War, I think there was definitely an impact there."

The parade, which started at the Low Town carpark and made its way to the war memorial in Civic Square, also had a fantastic turn out.

Mr Beale said it was the best parade they had had in 10 years, and he hoped to see everyone back next year supporting the RBL.

"I would like to thank every member that took part in the commemoration and celebration of the start of the First World War, and also those that paid their respects to those that lost their lives in defence of this country in all conflicts."

Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Darren Cooper paid his respects at the Smethwick event, which was also well-attended.

He said a mixture of old, young, and middle-aged people went to the ceremonies, as well as people of different ethnicities and religions: "A lot of Sikhs lost their lives, as did Muslims in the First World War in particular, and I am very pleased everyone could come together in such a united way to remember the people who gave their lives for us."

Reports he had had from other events suggested they were all well-attended, he said, which was 'very good really'.

"It is very important that we do remember those people who gave everything for us to have the freedom and democracy we have today."

In Birmingham, thousands gathered for an emotional ceremony in Centenary Square.

After the Act of Remembrance and Act of Commemoration, a bugler played the Last Post followed by a volley of rifle fire from soldiers of the 37 Signal Regiment. Two minutes' silence was then held, broken by another volley of rifle fire from the regiment and the Reveille.