Cheltenham will observe a solemn moment of silence to honour the sacrifices made by generations during wartime. On Armistice Day, Tuesday, November 11, Cheltenham Borough Council joins The Royal British Legion in encouraging businesses, shops, offices, and individuals across the town to pause and observe a minute of silence at 11 a.m.
Earlier, on Sunday, November 9, the town’s war memorial located in Long Gardens on the Promenade will be the focal point for the annual service of remembrance and civic parade. The ceremony will commence at 10:50 a.m. with a lone trumpeter performing The Last Post, followed by two minutes of silence at 11 a.m., led by Cheltenham’s mayor, Cllr Dr David Willingham.
Following the silence, the Reveille will be played, and the service will continue with prayers, hymns, and the national anthem performed by the Cheltenham Silver Band alongside the Cheltenham Choral Society. The mayor will then lay the first wreath at the memorial, joined by other civic leaders including borough and county councillors and representatives of local organizations.
After the wreath-laying, a parade and march past will take place, with the civic party observing from the dais in front of the Municipal Offices. Cllr Dr David Willingham invites all ex-service personnel to join the parade, assembling at 10:35 a.m. near the shops and bus stops on the Promenade.
Participants in the service include members of the Cheltenham branch of the Royal British Legion, Veterans, the Royal Naval Association, Royal Observer Corps, 501 Squadron RAuxAF (RAF Brize Norton), ARRC, and the Joint Services Signals Unit. Detachments from the navy, army, and RAF cadets, as well as St John’s Ambulance cadets, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), local scouts, cubs, girl guides, and brownies, will also take part.
Wing Commander Roy Roberts, chair of the Cheltenham Royal British Legion branch, reflects, “As we gather for Remembrance, we reaffirm the profound meaning of this tradition. We honour not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also those who continue to serve and protect us today. The ongoing commitment of Cheltenham’s community to this act of remembrance ensures that sacrifices, including those of local civilians, are never forgotten. Lest We Forget – thank you.”
Mayor Cllr Dr David Willingham adds, “Remembrance Sunday provides a vital opportunity to come together in silence to honour the bravery of those who defended our freedoms and the dedication of all service personnel, past and present. I warmly encourage everyone wishing to pay their respects to attend the service at the Cheltenham war memorial on the Promenade.”