Remembrance Day in Hornchurch was especially poignant this year as the nation marked the centenary of the end of the First World War. To the beat of rousing music from the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps, I marched with local cadets, guides, scouts and councillors from our High Street to the War Memorial to pay tribute to all those who have given their lives for our freedom.
The turnout was exceptional and the eagerness of local people to honour the service and sacrifice of previous generations was palpable. Rev Barry Hobson led a beautiful service in St Andrew’s after the laying of wreaths, and the Hornchurch branch of the British Legion presented awards to the community’s longest serving poppy sellers.