Urmston Remembrance Sunday. 14th November 2021
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Masons / Urmston Masonic Hall, Always Remember.
 
Ten members of FSE Mark Lodge gathered at the Hall as is now tradition to join the parade from Urmston to the Cenotaph at Davyhulme Circle on this special day. It was a clear spring like day with just a few scattered high clouds around when everyone gathered in the centre of Urmston for the long march, the road is very straight and the Cenotaph is always in view on the way.
Getting Together
On arriving at the Circle, it became clear to me that there were even more people there than I had seen in the past few years, I don’t think there was even an official parade last year due to you know what.
The crowds start to gather
There was at least two thousand (that’s a low estimate) around what is a perfect location to pay our tribute and for many to relive their private special memories of loved ones, family and friends. Situated in the middle of a very large roundabout encircled with a wall, flowers and grass which is always well maintained all year round by Trafford Council and really is a credit to them.
Off We Go 
In the eerie silence at 11 am trumpets sounded the Last Post and for two minutes the only sounds to be heard was from the birds singing before the Reveille sounded, Rev Ford then  continued with the Ceremony including the laying of Wreaths (many Wreaths) including the one from our wonderful West Lanc’s Mark as sent to all the Lodges from our PGM Keith Beardmore, who himself is a very keen Traditionalist and always attends on this special day at his local Cenotaph.    
Phew here at last
As the general crowds dispersed the parade accompanied by two marching bands headed off back to the centre of Urmston, the Mark Lodge members returned to the Hall where they tucked into an excellent brunch of Bacon, eggs, sausage, toast and warming cups of Coffee. Everyone made their way home feeling contented in what they had witnessed that morning, crowds which included babies in arms, children, teenagers, young and old men and women, some in wheelchairs, whatever their age I can always feel their genuine and sincere gratitude for all those which have been lost in the Two World Wars and all the other many wars which have followed since. Special thoughts always go out for the many who are still with us but have suffered terrible injuries both physical and mental.
The crowds are gathering
On a lighter note I used to volunteer for escort duties on this day to take an Ex Servicemen’s club to a large Cenotaph in Stretford, they were a great body of men young and old, some of the older generation can I say were “Tough As Old Boots” and even though some could hardly walk they still insisted on marching along to pay their tribute, on arriving back at their club they would insist that I went inside with them where they had a lovely spread laid on, they would keep giving me tokens which were for getting a drink at the bar, well I didn’t like refusing in case I upset anyone !!, however when I got back to the station I was always a bit tiddly, but to be honest none of the supervision ever really minded on this special day, in fact a couple of times my sergeant said, “you had better get off home” I was duly dropped off at home, and watched the recording of the Ceremony in London which I still do today, those were indeed “Happy Days”
Views around the Cenotaph
Nearly Time
All is Quiet
Let’s set off that was great ceremony
One of my relatives is on the Cenotaph
Pete with Austin
Stay Safe. Look After Each Other. Remember To Stay in Touch with family, friends and Lodge members especially anyone living on their own at this time of year and with Christmas approaching, try a phone call, TX, E Mail or even a letter.  Mark Well.
The Magic Mark Degree
Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No.1173