Ceremony signals start of Ripon's week of remembrance events

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Ripon's week of events to remember the dead of two world wars and other conflicts began at the weekend in Minster Gardens.

Representatives of Ripon's Royal Naval Association, Royal Engineers Association, Royal Air Force Association and Royal British Legion, added to the solemnity of the occasion with standards held high.

Also present at Saturday's ceremony were the Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon Councillor Sid Hawke and his wife Linda.

The Dean of Ripon, The Very Revd. John Dobson, led prayers as he blessed the Royal British Legion Garden of Remembrance, located within the parkland adjacent to the cathedral.

This year's gathering had added poignancy, following events in June to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and celebrations to mark the 75-year milestone reached by Ripon’s Royal Engineers, who were granted Freedom of the City in 1949, 

A two-minute silence was observed, with Linda Graham of Ripon City Band playing The Last Post and then Reveille on her cornet and following this, small crosses with poppies on them were put in place around the garden plinth by a number of attendees.

Remembrance Sunday

Spa Gardens will be the focus on November 10, when Ripon's civic Remembrance Sunday service is held at the city's war memorial, followed by a service at the cathedral.

The event will honour the service and sacrifice of the armed forces, British Commonwealth veterans, allies and civilians involved in the world wars and other conflicts.

Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at Spa Gardens from 10.30. Following the service, there will be a march past and salute in front of Ripon Town Hall, with the procession leading to the cathedral, where a further service will be held.