Green around High Barnet war memorial packed for well attended Remembrance Sunday service

In a break with tradition a service of commemoration was held beside the war memorial at Barnet parish church after the ceremonial wreath laying on Remembrance Sunday.

Because of repairs to the front door of the parish church there is no public access and those attending the ceremony were invited to a service at the nearby Barnet United Reformed Church.

Father Sam Rossiter, team vicar at the parish church, led the service with the support of the full parish and evensong choir, plus choristers, under their director of music Patrick Korczak.

The first wreath was laid on behalf of the King by the Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Barnet, Martin Russell.

Other local dignitaries who stepped forward with wreaths included Councillor David Longstaff (Barnet Vale), representing the Mayor of Barnet, and Dan Tomlinson, the Chipping Barnet MP, who is Exchequer Secretary and Minister for Growth.

The last post and reveille were sounded by bugler Jonny Tillett, a 15-year-old pupil at Mill Hill School and member of the school’s Combined Cadet Force.

Jonny performed for the first time as bugler on Remembrance Sunday last year. Although he felt a little more relaxed this time, he said he was still rather nervous bearing in mind the significance of the occasion.

Reservists from 240 Transport Squadron of the Royal Logistics Corps led the ceremonial march along the High Street to the church and then returned to their base at the Army Reserve Centre in St Albans Road.

Captain Chandra Pun, a former major of the Gurkhas, led the march and laid a wreath on behalf of the armed services.

A total of 35 wreaths were laid during the ceremony including those from the Royal British Legion, Combined Cadet Forces at Mill Hill and Queen Elizabeth’s Boys School, RAF Air Cadets 1374 East Barnet Squadron and Army Cadet Force 218 Barnet Detachment.

Local organisations which laid wreaths included Barnet Museum, Barnet Residents Association, Barnet Society and Jesus Hospital Charity.

Others from the local community included wreaths from staff and players of Barnet Football Club, Barnet FC Supporters Association and staff and players of Hadley Football Club.

Among those who also stepped forward were representatives of local business including Kevin Callaghan, proprietor of the Corner Café in St Albans Road who laid a wreath of behalf of his staff and patrons.

This year’s wreath laying was organised by parish church administrator Tony Long who has succeeded Stephen Lane, President of Barnet St John Ambulance, who had previously co-ordinated proceedings for almost 50 years.