IN PHOTOS: Teddington Remembers

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter

15th Nov 2021 | Local News

HUNDREDS of Teddington people young and old gathered at the town's Cenotaph this morning to attend a poignant Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service.

Crowds lined the streets opposite Teddington Memorial Hospital to pay their respects to the town's fallen soldiers, and many also took part in a march to the memorial from the High Street led by the Royal British Legion branch.

It was a welcome change from last year's ceremony which had to be recorded in advance and broadcast online that day due to lockdown restrictions.

Speaking ahead of this morning's event, Reverend Joe Moffatt told Nub News he was "very pleased" the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service was going ahead as usual.

He added: "It will have a special poignancy as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and the wonderful work they do in supporting veterans."

Following the ceremony, he said: "We had a wonderful turn-out with more youth organisations than ever in the parade.

"Today's attendance was a fitting tribute to a 'Centenary of Remembering' as we acknowledged the 100th anniversary of three things: the Teddington Cenotaph outside the Memorial Hospital; the use of poppies as a symbol of remembering and hope; and the Royal British Legion who continue to care for veterans and their families."

He added: "Remembrance shows no sign of fading in Teddington."

As in 2020, the 2021 service was live-streamed, with Reverend Joe Moffatt and other clergy addressing an audience on YouTube as well as those in person.

Local groups including The Teddington Society and Richmond Council laid wreaths and the Salvation Army band accompanied the hymns at the service.

A Bugler from the local Sea Cadets played the Last Post, and many youngsters took part in the earlier Parade including a group from the Park Lane Stables Pony Club.

Trigger the horse from the Stables also made his return to the high street, proudly sporting poppies in his hair and on his tail.

Photos of the event can be seen in the gallery above.

The full service and parade can be watched HERE.