As ever there was a magnificent turnout from our residents and local organisations at this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemoration service held at the memorial in Blackhall Colliery Welfare Park.
The service, organised by Monk Hesleden Parish Council and led by council chairman Gaynor Crute and local minister John Kidd, attracted another fantastic attendance from a community committed to paying their respects to those from Blackhall who fought in both World Wars and in other conflicts over the years.
At the commemoration service wreaths were laid at the memorial on behalf of the Royal British Legion, Monk Hesleden Parish Council, Durham County Council, Blackhall Colliery primary school, St Joseph's RC primary school, Wellfield school, Blackhall Labour Party, Blackhall RAFA, Blackhall Women's Institute, St Andrew's church and many other local and regional organisations who make the day so special. There was also an opportunity at the service for individuals to make their own personal representations on behalf of lost loved ones and family members.
As in past years the buffet reception held in Blackhall Cricket Club immediately after the service was again very well attended by residents taking the opportunity to meet up with family members, old friends and visitors to our village.
Stacey and I would like to thank the clerk, members and staff of the parish council for organising the event, the staff and committee of Blackhall Cricket Club who made everyone welcome, Ian Harris for performing the Last Post and Reveille, representatives from the Royal British Legion, Blackhall Women’s Institute, the staff and pupils from Wellfield school, our local primary schools, Brian Drummond who again gave so much of his time and effort in preparing the village ahead of the service and of course the Blackhall community who once again came together to honour those who fought and those who died in the defence of our country and community against fascism, tyranny and oppression.
