Knutsford comes out to remember (From Knutsford Guardian)

Knutsford comes out to remember

2:33pm Wednesday 17th November 2010 in News By James Wilson

KNUTSFORDIANS paid their respects to the town’s – and the nation’s – fallen soldiers on Sunday.

Members of the town’s Royal British Legion paraded through the streets with Knutsford’s air cadets, Scouts, army cadets, Girl Guides and town councillors, before laying wreaths at Memorial House on Northwich Road.

The parade began in its usual place of Drury Lane and visited Knutsford Methodist Church and St John’s before heading down Church Hill and along King Street.

As the participants marched by, residents clapped and showed their support before bugler Sarah Raisbeck performed the Last Post.

John Walker, chairman of Knutsford’s branch of the Royal British Legion, said the event was growing in size each year.

“It is getting bigger and bigger,” he said.

“We had some good banter between everyone and we were joined by seven Ghurkas this year.

“Our biggest problem was sorting a band and we have struggled to find one ever since the previous group folded two years ago.

“But the people of Knutsford have always supported us.”

Clr Peter Coan, Knutsford town mayor, said he was incredibly impressed with this year’s parade.

He said: “I absolutely loved it. The turn out was fantastic and I think it was the biggest turn out for many a year.

“It was very moving and nearly every group in Knutsford was represented. Thanks go to the town council and the British Legion and it is a testament to their continued desire to make the event a success.”

John added that the branch was looking to better last year’s fundraising total.

“We won’t obviously now the figures for our poppy appeal until next year but our current total stands at £20,000,” John said.

“When we launched the event two weeks ago with George Osborne, we managed to raise £157 on that day alone. I want to thank Pat Harrison at the Conservative Club who has been brilliant with us by letting us keep our poppy stock there.

“But the success of the event is down to the volunteers and we are hoping we can beat the £29,000 that we raised last year.”

A poppy concert is being held at the Methodist Church on Princess Street, on Sunday.

Roberts Bakery Brass Band will be performing and tickets cost £7 and are available at the Conservative Club or by calling John on the number below.

If you know of a band that can play at next year’s parade, call John on 07729 905953.