IT was standing room only in Holmes Chapel on Sunday as residents flocked into the village to hear the annual Remembrance service.

The service at St Luke’s Church at 10am was led by Reverend Rick Gates.

Because of the large number of people wishing to attend the service the police blocked off London Road to traffic to allow the large number unable to get into the church to stand in the road and listen to the service being relayed outside.

Knutsford Guardian:

The TCTC Group band leads the parade

The annual parade was organised by Malcolm and Glenda Coates, chairman and secretary respectively of Holmes Chapel Royal British Legion.

The parade set off from Holmes Chapel Health Centre at 9.30am for the 10am service at St Luke’s Church.

Following the service the parade formed up in front of the war memorial for the Kohima Epitaph, the playing of The Last Post and the two-minute Silence.

Knutsford Guardian:

Ex-Royal Marine Les Gibson, one of the oldest branch members

About 300 people took part in the parade, which was led by the TCTC Group band from Crewe.

There were more than 20 wreaths laid, from Cheshire East Council, Holmes Chapel Parish Council, the Royal Marines Association, the Royal Navy, Holmes Chapel RBL, Cheshire Fire and Rescue, Cheshire Police, four Probus clubs, the Rotary club, the WI, Holmes Chapel Partnership, Scouting, Girl Guiding, Holmes Chapel’s three schools and the Catholic and Methodist churches.

Knutsford Guardian:

Brian Bath, chairman of the parish council, MP Fiona Bruce and Malcolm Coates, chairman of Holmes Chapel RBL

Mr Coates said: “Thank you to everyone who attended to make this a very memorable parade once again and everyone who donated to the appeal.”

Mr and Mrs Coates were among four branch members to receive awards on Sunday for 30 years’ service to the Holmes Chapel RBL’s poppy appeal.

Knutsford Guardian:

Standing room only outside the church on London Road

They and branch member Geoff Cooke and his wife Pauline received medals to acknowledge their efforts over the past three decades.

Last year’s appeal, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, raised just over £10,000, and this year’s total should be known this week.

Anyone interested in helping in the next appeal should call 01477 534263 or email m.coates547@btinternet.com

The Holmes Chapel branch meets bi-monthly on a Tuesday afternoon at 64 Sutton Oaks London Road, Holmes Chapel. Meetings start at 1.30pm, and membership is open to everyone.

Knutsford Guardian:

Keith Burton receives his chain of office to be the new president of Holmes Chapel RBL from Graham Ratcliffe, the branch’s Life-president