Thank you for the help

The attendance each year increases and so does the planning and preparation. Ings Grove Park is the setting for the service and it as always in pristine condition thanks to Brian Mallinson and his team from the parks and gardens department, who always go the extra mile for us all.

The Royal British Legion Riders Branch, who led the parade, were out in larger numbers than before. They were followed by the immaculately turned out 868 Squadron Corps of Drums.

The two large marching columns were played on thanks to the musical skills of Clifton and Lightcliffe A and B bands.

Many people say Mirfield’s parade can not get any better, but it does, partly due to the professionalism of the many people who put things into action. People such as Geoff Taylor of the charitable underground Camel Corps, who engineers the PA system in the park and does not charge for his efforts, and the Scout and Guide Association which helps out with the hymn sheets and collection.

The Salvation Army Band provides music for the service, with Peter Rhodes our RBL trumpeter and Ian Grande the RBL parade. The fire service provides free tea and coffee and the Constitutional Club puts on food after the parade.

The marshals and the police did an excellent job of keeping the parade safe. There are dozens of people who I am in contact with each year who all play their part to ensure a good result. After the march past and parade dismisses, organisers and veterans retire to the Old Colonial.

We always have loyal toasts to the Queen and absent friend, Eleven bottles of port later and the toast was someone’s neighbour’s tom cat. A good time was had by all. We don’t stop just with parades and ceremonially we’re all busily preparing for the RBL Christmas auction on Saturday November 24. I hope you can come, it’s at the Old Colonial at 8.30pm.

You did our troops and Mirfield proud. Well done.

TIM WOOD

Parade officer

Old Colonial

MIRFIELD