Alconbury Weald community gathers for Remembrance Sunday service

Over 60 residents and visitors gathered on Sunday, 10 November for Alconbury Weald’s second ever Remembrance Sunday service that took place in front of the recently refurbished World War II Watch Office.

The service started with Rev Rob Paddison of Alconbury Weald Church welcoming everyone at the plaza outside the Primary school, before leading a community walk to Watch Office Green, where the flags of the UK and USA were flying in recognition of the joint heritage of the former airfield now being transformed into Alconbury Weald.

Those assembled were joined by a representative from RAF Wyton, Cpl Jo Dupee and Lt Col Lyle Swapp from the United States Visiting Forces. Following the two minute silence, Rev Paddison gave a short reflection on the Bible reading in which he spoke about history and learning from the past: recognising that it is 30 years since the fall of the Berlin wall, a country divided that has been reunited.

Rev Paddison said: “We remember wars past because our lives today would not be the same without the service and sacrifice of people from every allied country who worked with us. We remember because we worked together with people from all over the world to achieve a shared goal. We remember because by remembering our shared history we can find ways to work together today to make the world a better place.”

This was followed by the laying of poppy wreaths and the local community was given the opportunity to place a lapel poppy to commemorate those who have lost their lives in service. Both national anthems were then played before the community headed into the hall for refreshments.