Reminder about Hartlepool events to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday

On Thursday evening the Victory Square, Redheugh Gardens and Seaton Carew War Memorials will be illuminated between 5pm and 9pm.

An online Book of Remembrance is also available to sign at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/remembrance2021

On Saturday 13 November, as in previous years, Remembrance crosses for Hartlepool soldiers who lost their lives will be planted in the grassed areas of Victory Square. This year, to the rear of these crosses, a small field of poppies will also be created out of recycled plastic bottles.

As part of events being held by various organisations around the town, Hartlepool Borough Council will be hosting its two annual Remembrance Sunday services at 11am on Sunday 14 November – one in Victory Square in the town centre and the other at the Headland War Memorial in Redheugh Gardens.

The Victory Square service will be conducted by the Civic Chaplain the Reverend Norman Shave of Stranton Church and will be attended by the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Brenda Loynes, the Deputy Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, Councillor Cameron Stokell, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Darren Price.

A parade will leave the Market Square (to the rear of York Road) at 10.45am. Following the service, there will be a march past and a salute of the cenotaph.

The Headland service will be conducted by the Reverend Verity Brown of St Hilda’s Church and will be attended by the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, Councillor Shane Moore, and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Cook.

A parade will leave Church Walk at 10.45am and proceed to the Headland War Memorial via Prissick Street and Cliff Terrace. Following the service the parade will perform a march past and salute the memorial.

At both ceremonies there will be an opportunity for members of the public to lay wreaths.

People should not attend these events if they have tested positive for COVID-19, or if they are feeling unwell with any symptoms or have been informed to isolate by test and trace. Those attending the services are also politely asked to maintain social distancing wherever possible.

Councillor Brenda Loynes, the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, said: “We owe a tremendous debt to generations of our local service men and women and to our emergency services for the sacrifices they have made and the bravery and dedication they have shown.

“Last year marked the first time we had lit some of our War Memorials in this way and the feedback from residents was that it had provided a welcome opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many people across Hartlepool.

“We weren’t able to hold our usual Remembrance Sunday services last year as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and I’m sure residents across Hartlepool will welcome the return of these.”

Councillor Darren Price, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added: “The Remembrance Sunday services are the most important, proud and poignant events in the Armed Forces calendar for current service men and women, veterans and their families.

“I know residents will welcome the return of these services and the opportunity to show their support and remember the sacrifices made over the years.

“I also know how much it means to fellow veterans and the opportunity it provides to show respect to fallen friends and family.”

Remembrance activities in brief:

Thursday 11th November         

The Victory Square, Redheugh Gardens and Seaton Carew War Memorials will be lit up in red between 5pm and 9pm.

Saturday 13th November

Remembrance crosses for Hartlepool soldiers who lost their lives will be planted in Victory Square.

Sunday 14th November     

Two services – both starting at 11am – have been organised by Hartlepool Borough Council with one to be held in Victory Square and the other at the Headland War Memorial in Redheugh Gardens.