Remembrance Sunday Services and Parades
Wirral will fall silent this Remembrance Sunday as residents gather to honour the fallen at services taking place across the borough on Sunday 9 November.
The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Brian Kenny, will lead the Civic Service, which starts at 10.55am at the Cenotaph in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead.
A two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, followed by a traditional Service of Remembrance, taken by Reverend Paul Bentley, Vicar of Birkenhead Priory Parish, Rural Dean of Birkenhead.
Readings and Blessings will also be given by The Right Reverend Julie Conalty, Bishop of Birkenhead, and Reverend Debbie Wilkinson, Wirral Waters Mission Lead.
The Mayor will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the people of Wirral, alongside Deputy Lieutenant, Sue Higginson OBE DL, who will do so on behalf of His Majesty The King. They will be followed by representatives of Wirral Council, armed forces, other organisations and the relatives of servicemen lost in recent conflicts.
At the end of the service the Mayor and Deputy Lieutenant will take the salute at a march past led by 107 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers.
After the parade has left Hamilton Square members of the public will have an opportunity to place their own tributes on the Cenotaph.
A copy of the service sheet for the Birkenhead service is available to download from the Council website.
The Mayor said:
Remembrance Sunday is a moment for us all to come together and honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served and gave their lives in conflicts past and present.
This year has added significance as it marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the Second World War. I had the privilege of speaking at the Civic commemoration in Port Sunlight back in August, and was deeply moved by the turnout and the heartfelt gratitude shown by so many. It was a powerful reminder that the extraordinary efforts of those who served will never be forgotten.
I would encourage everyone to take a moment on Sunday - or to perhaps attend their local service - to reflect on the sacrifices made and the freedoms we enjoy today because of them.
Remembrance Sunday services in Wirral will take place at:
Bebington
10.30am at St Andrew's Church before moving to the War Memorial at 10.40am, followed by a family service back in the church. There will also be a service at the Royal British Legion Club on Teehey Lane at 11.45am.
Bidston
10.15am at St. Oswald’s Church followed by wreath laying at the War Memorial.
Birkenhead
10.55am at The Cenotaph in Hamilton Square for the Civic Service.
Bromborough
10.15am at St. Barnabas Church followed by the Act of Remembrance and wreath laying at the war memorial at 11.00am.
Eastham
10am at St Mary’s Church for a service, before moving to Eastham War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance at 11am.
Heswall
10.45am at St. Peter’s Church, Lower Heswall, followed by a parade and wreath laying at the War Memorial and garden of Remembrance on Dee View.
Higher Bebington
10.00am at Christ Church on Kings Road, followed by a service at the Royal British Legion Club, Teehey Lane at 11.45 am.
Moreton
10.15am for a short Service at Moreton Methodist Church followed by Service at The Cenotaph, corner of Maryland Lane and Pasture Road, at 10.45am.
Port Sunlight
10.30am at Christ Church where the parade will gather to march to the War Memorial, followed by a service at Christ Church.
Prenton
10.00am Service at St Stephen’s Church, continuing at the War Memorial at the junction of Osmaston Road and Prenton Lane at 10.45am.
Thornton Hough
2.20pm to gather at Smithy Hill for march to the War Memorial for an outdoor service at 2.45pm, continuing at All Saints Church on Raby Road.
Wallasey
10.20am. Veterans, cadet forces and other services will meet at the bottom of Hertford Drive, New Brighton, CH45 7PU. The march to the War Memorial on Magazines Promenade will step-off at 10.35 am.
West Kirby
10.30am at Grange Hill (for a 10.45am start). Service at Grange Hill, West Kirby followed by parade to the Concourse for salute and laying of the 149th Royal Horse Artillery 'Hoylake Horse' wreath.
A number of road closures will be in place on Sunday (9 November) to enable the safe operation of local Remembrance Sunday parades and services.
Residents planning to attend the commemorations or wishing to travel in the affected areas are urged to look at the planned closures in advance and to allow extra time and find an alternative route to avoid any unnecessary delays to their journey.
To allow the road closures to be safely put in place before each event starts, and then removed once they've finished, traffic management arrangements are set from 7am until 5pm, however, efforts will be made to remove them as soon as safely possible when the events are over to minimise the length of time areas will be closed.
Detailed information about the areas affected by Remembrance Sunday temporary road closures is posted on the Wirral Council Website.
