Remembrance Day 2021 at Hindley
 
”Lest we Forget “

A merry band of Mark Brothers made its way to Hindley Market Square for the muster of military and civilian participants in the 2021 Remembrance Day Parade.  As the morning wore on, the increasing warmth of the sun on a beautiful morning, brought out a large crowd of onlookers who were gathering in anticipation of the Parade and Service to come.
On this occasion however, we also had another mission; this was to lay an additional wreath, obtained by Bro. Peter Newell, at the monument of the brand-new Hindley Veteran’s Garden, which lies neatly and quietly at the side of the Bird ith Hand pub in Hindley town centre. Coincidentally, this pub provided the original Masonic meeting place for Corinthian Lodge on its Consecration in 1890. So, Freemasonry has thrived in Hindley for over 130 years and long may it continue. We laid the wreath with reverence just prior to the main event.
“Hindley Veteran’s Garden”
The parade set off at 11.40am to the beat of the marching band, starting adjacent to the Market Square and eventually came to a halt on the Hindley Town Centre cross road where the Cenotaph stands adjacent to the very prominent St Peter’s Church where the Service was to be held. In addition to the many taking part in the main procession, there was also a large gathering of onlookers participating in this special occasion.
“The 2021 Parade forms up”
At 10.45am, the beautifully conducted service of Remembrance began with hymns and prayers, and this was followed by the laying of the wreaths around the cenotaph. The Company Sergeant Major once again did us proud, and early in the pecking order announced “Mark Masons of Hindley”. On this occasion, Brother Alan Johnston, who is the Master Elect of Red Rose Mark Lodge and is to be Installed on Monday 22nd November, stepped forward to lay the Wreath on behalf of Mark Masons and the wider Masonic Fraternity.
“Alan Remembers Them”
“Poppy Wreaths Adorn the Cenotaph"
After the laying of wreaths, the Last Post and a 2 minutes silence were immaculately observed. This was followed by the Reveille and final Prayer before a resounding 2 verses of God Save the Queen echoed around the streets of Hindley. We were all thinking of Her Majesty at this point, following news that health problems had prevented her attendance at the Remembrance Parade in London.
 
A truly memorable event was over for another year.
Words and Pictures Ray Pye