Abergele parade in Remembrance appeal

Nov 4 2010 by Helen Harper, North Wales Weekly News

A PLEA has gone out to help save Abergele’s Remembrance Sunday parade next week.

Barely two weeks before the memorial parade, the town has found itself without a band to lead it, and the Royal British Legion is appealing for help.

“We’re sending out an SOS,” said member Ian Martin.

“Anybody who is willing to come along is welcome. We need help, whether it be a drummer, a piper or a group if they are available – we would be much obliged of their help.”

Ian explained why the parade finds itself in this situation.

“Last Wednesday the band we’d booked told us they had dissolved and we were left in the lurch – music-less! We’ve been everywhere and most people are booked up with it being such a popular day for marching bands.”

He added: “It is sad as it has always had such a following. It is quite an occasion.

“The turnout has always been great and the public has always given its support.”

This is not the first time Abergele has found itself without a band in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.

Last year they were in a similar situation when the Sea Cadets’ band folded.

Unluckily, the same fate has befallen Point of Ayr who stepped in at the last minute in 2009.

“It has happened two years running now,” commented John Geraghty, secretary of the town’s British Legion.

“I think we are getting to a point where we have more parades than bands and if you lose one, you’ve got no chance.

“I think it’s a reflection of the times, with the recession, that bands cannot afford to keep going. Unluckily, we have been on the receiving end of this. We’ve looked in a lot of places and are running out of options.”

Abergele’s Remembrance Sunday traditions include a procession through the seaside town and a service at St Michael’s cenotaph.

If you think you may be able to help Abergele’s British Legion with their problem, contact John Geraghty on 01745 824211 or e-mail ian.hughes@northwalesnews.co.uk