At 11am, a large crowd gathered at the Cenotaph on Regent Circus for the annual Borough Remembrance Service. It was led by Lt Col James Arkell, Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, alongside the Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Fay Howard, the Venerable Christopher Bryan, Archdeacon of Malmesbury, and Reverend Mark Tidey.
The service included performances from trumpeter Steve Yorke, the Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums, Swindon Brass, and the Swindon Male Voice Choir.
As the Town Hall clock struck the hour, those assembled observed two minutes of silence.
Lt Col Arkell delivered the Exhortation, followed by the Reveille and the Kohima Epitaph, read by Phil Nobbs, Vice Chairman of the Royal British Legion. Wreaths were then laid by civic dignitaries, military veterans, cadets, and community representatives.
In Highworth, residents also gathered to mark the occasion, with a parade from Cherry Orchard to St Michael’s Church. Organised by the Highworth & District Branch of the Royal British Legion, the service included hymns, prayers, and readings.
Councillor Fay Howard, Mayor of Swindon, said:
“Today our borough stood as one. From Highworth to Swindon town centre, people paused to reflect, to thank, and to remember.
“It was a moving and dignified tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed.”
Remembrance events also took place in churches, schools, and community venues across the borough, uniting people in quiet reflection and gratitude.
Among the families gathered was a proud grand-mother, who watched her 15-year-old grandson, Roman Herbert, take part in the service as a member of the Royal Air Force Cadets.
“We’re so incredibly proud,” she said.
“Roman is really walking in the footsteps of his grandfather, John Stevens, who also served in the RAF. Having the whole family here to see him today made it even more special.”
Wreaths now lie at memorials throughout Swindon, a visible sign of the borough’s ongoing remembrance.
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