WHAT an absolutely amazing turnout for the Skipton Remembrance Parade on Sunday. It is just such a pity that the organisation was so confusing.

Congratulations have to go to the town council for the overall organisation of the event; however after years of ‘practice’ it is still not right.

The issue with the loud speakers that plagued the parade for so many years seems to have been remedied only to be replaced by different problems.

The two minute silence is crucial part of the whole ceremony. The protocol is that the bugler plays the Last Post ending as the clock reaches 11 o’clock. The crowd then falls silent for two minutes as a mark of respect to the fallen and the bugler plays Reveille to bring the silence to a close.

Not on Sunday. Following the Last Post and throughout the silence the piper played The Flowers of the Forest only to finish in time for the last post.

Prior to the parade organisations were contacted to determine if they would be laying a wreath.

I replied to say that I would be laying a wreath on behalf of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) and this was duly noted by the Deputy Clerk of Skipton Town Council.

Lt Cdr David Carter was laying a wreath on behalf of the Royal Navy (RN). Two different wreaths Yet again the two organisations were called out jointly. Not knowing if I would be called again for the RNA I joined David and we laid our wreaths together. Minutes later, after several other wreaths had been laid, the RNA was called and of course no one appeared.

These may not appear to be major issues to anyone not connected to the forces, but I can assure you that it does matter to those who served. If, after 106 years of Remembrance parades we cannot get it right - when can we?

Alan L Turpin Vice President Skipton RNA

 

In response, Louise Close, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, said: "Many thanks for the congratulations passed regarding the Remembrance parade.

We did have a problem with the bugler playing the last post, unfortunately the gentleman who we had booked for this part of the service was unexpectedly unavailable and with only a few minutes to go another member of the band stepped.

This however then had a knock-on effect with the piper playing the ‘Lament’ which in turn affected the two-minute silence. The piper had very kindly offered to play this piece of music for the people of Skipton to which I gratefully accepted.

The two-minute silence was then held. We had confirmed with Mr Turpin that he would be laying the wreath on behalf of the RNA by email on October 24.

I am unsure why Mr Turpin would feel that when Lt Cdr David Carter was called forward to lay the wreath, he should join him at that point and not wait for his name to be called as indeed it was later on.

Skipton Remembrance day is extremely important to the town and my apologies for the delay at the two-minute silence, as much as we plan and prepare for events, events can take an unexpected turn, and I am extremely grateful to everyone that supported the day and took time out to respectfully remember all those who gave and give for our country."