South Tyneside Remembrance Services
Communities across South Tyneside are expected to pay tribute to the nation's war heroes at a series of Remembrance services this week.
A number of services and parades are being held to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, when civic dignitaries, veterans, their families and uniformed organisations will join members of the community to gather for quiet reflection.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor John McCabe said: "These events are an opportunity for people to come together for a quiet and dignified reflection to pay their respects and remember all those who have sacrificed so much for this country and given their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.
"It is also a chance to salute those armed forces personnel who are still on active service around the world today. We hope that people will attend one of the many events taking place across the Borough."
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the First World War ended and people all over the world observed a two-minute silence to show their respect and to remember the fallen.
Remembrance Sunday takes place on the second Sunday of November each year to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War.
Traditionally poppies are worn as a symbol of remembrance and as a sign of respect and wreaths of poppies are laid on war memorials.
The Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon will lead the tributes in South Shields on Remembrance Sunday, when a parade will leave South Shields Town Hall at 10.30am and march along Westoe Road to Westoe Cenotaph for a service at 10.55am.
Full details of South Tyneside events are as follows:
Friday 10 November
10.50am: Assemble at War Memorial, West Park South Shields, for service. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Margaret Peacock and Deputy Mayoress Gladys Hobson will lay wreaths alongside other organisations and individuals.
Armistice Day - Saturday 11 November
South Shields:
10.30am: Assemble at the Mission to Seafarers in Mill Dam and walk to the Merchant Navy Memorial for a service. Councillor Fay Cunningham will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals.
Monkton Village (Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress):
10.40am: Assemble at Lord Nelson pub before marching to the War Memorial in Monkton Village for a service at 10.55am. The Deputy Mayor will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals.
Remembrance Sunday - 12 November
South Shields:
10.15am: Parade will assemble on Beach Road at South Shields Town Hall before marching along Westoe Road to Westoe Cenotaph for service at 10.55am. Wreaths will be laid by the Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon alongside other organisations and individuals including the Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Lt General Robin Brims.
Jarrow:
10.30am: Parade assembles outside of Jarrow Town Hall in Grange Road before marching to the War Memorial in Station Street for a service at 10.55am. Wreaths will be laid by the Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Audrey Huntley alongside other organisations and individuals including Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Margaret Fay.
Hebburn:
9.45am: Parade assembles at Hebburn Central before marching to St John's Church for a service at 10.15am. Parade reforms at 10.40am and marches to Carr Ellison Park for a short service at the War Memorial at 10.55am. Parade reforms once more and marches to Hebburn Cemetery for a short service at HMS Kelly Grave. The Deputy Mayor will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals including Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Adam Serfontein.
Whitburn:
10.40am: Parade assembles at Whitburn Parish Church before moving off towards the War Memorial in Whitburn where a service will take place at 10.55am. Councillor Jane Carter will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals. Parade will reform, marching back to Whitburn Parish Church for a service.
Cleadon:
10.50am: Service at Cleadon Village War Memorial in Front Street. Councillor Ian Forster will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals.
East Boldon:
10.10am: Parade will assemble at Grey Horse pub, before marching to St George's Church for a short service at 10.35am. The parade will reassemble and march to the war memorial for a service at 10.55am. The Deputy Mayoress will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals.
Boldon Colliery:
10.45am: Meet at War Memorial outside Shack Boldon Colliery for service at 11am.
A series of temporary road closures and diversions will be in place during the services and parades. Drivers are asked to be patient when driving around to allow the parades to take place safely. Signs will be displayed across the Borough advising motorists of the closures.
For further information visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk.