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Nov
Royal British Legion provides a dignified start to Ripon's week of remembrance
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As a week of commemoration events began in Ripon this morning (Saturday) at the Royal British Legion Garden of Remembrance, the call has gone out for service veterans to step forward.
In a year that has seen the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ day, the Royal Engineers who were granted Freedom of the City in 1949, are currentky unable to take part in civic and city events – most notably the Remembrance Sunday services taking place at the war memorial in Spa Gardens and at Ripon Cathedral.
With the call of duty in other parts of the world, Ripon's Royal Engineers are unable to take part in this year's Remembrance Parade in the city.
Jim Phillips, chair of the Ripon branch of the Royal Engineers Association told the Stray Ferret
Because of other commitments no service personnel will be able to take part in the Remembrance Sunday parade on November 9.
That’s why the call is going out for Army, Navy and Roiyal Air Force veterans to invite them to take part in this year’s parade to honour all those who have gone before us.
The retired Sapper, added:
We have the Ripon City band and the air and army cadets, but what we are lacking is veterans, to help with the marching contingent from Spa gardens to the cathedral straight after the service in the Spa gardens.
This year's parade could be the way that future parades, bearing in mind we might soon be losing 21 Engineer Regiment of the Royal Engineers, when the Claro Barracks site is vacated to make way for a housing development.
The City of Ripon deserves a parade to be proud of and this year it’s down to us veterans to give them that parade, given that no regular military are here to take the lead. If you are able to help us out it would be very much appreciated.
Service at the Garden of Remembrance
This morning's service in Minster Gardens was led by Rev Canon Wendy Dalrymple and all branches of the armed services were present.along with members of 886 (City of Ripon) Sqn Air Training Corps and their commanding officer, Wayne Cobbett.
Rev Canon Wendy Dalrymple of Ripon Cathedral, led the service
Also preseent to sell poppies inn support oif the RBL annual appeal, were members of 886 (City of Ripon) Sqn Air Training Corps and their commanding officer, Wayne Cobbett.
Wayne Cobbett, commanding officer of 886 (City of Ripon) Air Cadets, with cadet Iestyn Atkin.
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