Wisbech’s Corps of Drums makes debut at Remembrance Day service

11:03, 11 November 2024

Yesterday’s Remembrance Day was marked in style in Wisbech with the first outing of the newly formed Wisbech Corps of Drums.

Set up as part of the celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the town’s Royal British Legion last year, this was the first time the Corps has played in public.

The dozen or so air and sea cadets who make up the Wisbech Corps of Drums joined the Cambridgeshire Cadet Band to head the parade from the Market Place to the War Memorial. Toby North, chair of Wisbech RBL, said it was a proud moment to see them parade and play.

The parade was led by the Wisbech Corps of Drums alongside the Cambridgeshire Cadet Force Band. Picture: Roger Rawson Photography

He said the aim now is to continue to grow the corps and he said any young people interested in joining should attend any of the regular meetings of any of the cadet forces in the town and express their wish to join.

The hope is that next year the town’s Corps of Drums will be able to lead the parade on its own.

Mr North also thanked Nestle Purina for their substantial donation towards the buying of the instruments for the cadets to play.

About 30 wreaths were laid by various organisations. Picture: Roger Rawson Photography

The cadets' debut was witnessed by hundreds of people who gathered for the annual Remembrance Day parade and ceremony.

The parade was formed by representatives of the community including veterans, serving members of the armed forces, military organisations, civic dignitaries, public services, and local schools.

Mr North conducted the Act of Remembrance while the Rev Father David Addington, padre affiliated to both the Wisbech Sea Cadets and Wisbech RBL, led the service.

Crowds gathered for the annual remembrance ceremony. Picture: Roger Rawson Photography

Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Col Mark Knight also said a few words expressing the importance of Remembrance Sunday and thanking the volunteers who work hard ahead of the day with the town’s annual Poppy Appeal.

The ceremony at the War Memorial included two minutes ’ silence for the Fallen and included a wreath-laying ceremony, which saw around 30 wreaths laid by representatives from various organisations including local MP Steve Barclay.