Penzance Comes Together for Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service

The people of Penzance gathered on Sunday, 10th November, for a Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service to honour those who gave their lives in service from the parish. Organised by Penzance Council, the day’s event began with a civic parade through the town, led by Lieutenant Commander Simon Stevenson from RNAS Culdrose, and concluded with a poignant Remembrance Service at the War Memorial at Battery Rocks.

Parade Marches Through Penzance

The parade set off from St John’s Hall and travelled through Penzance, with the rhythmic beat provided by drummer Tom Wheatley from Humphry Davy School, who stepped in at the last moment to lend his musical talents. Veterans and a broad group of local representatives, including members from the Royal British Legion Penzance Branch, Penzance Sea Cadets, Penzance Army Cadets, local police, and fire services, joined the procession to pay their respects.

Participants also included various community groups, such as the 1st Penzance Brownies, Penzance Salvation Army, and local schools, alongside organisations like the Penzance-Concarneau and Penzance-Cuxhaven Twinning Associations, Rotary Clubs, Penzance Civic Society, St Mary’s Church, and Penzance Lions Club. Penzance Silver Band attended the service, playing solemnly as poppy wreaths were laid in memory of the fallen.

Service at Battery Rocks

The Remembrance Service was led by the Revd Howard Peskett, with the Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds, delivering a reading. The Cornish language featured prominently in the service, highlighting the region’s heritage. Words were also shared by Michael Dash and Able Cadet Autumn Rhodes McClean from the Mayor’s Sea Cadet unit, adding a personal touch to the ceremony.

After the service, Mayor Stephen commented, “Remembrance Sunday is a special event in our civic calendar, made all the more powerful by the spectacular location of the service at Battery Rocks, on the holy headland from which our town takes its name. And at a time when war and strife fill so much of our daily news, it’s more important than ever to remember those who gave their lives in past conflicts.”

Acknowledgements and Additional Services

Penzance Council extended thanks to all who contributed, including Penzance BID, Jubilee Pool, Town Crier Phil Northcott, and Isaac Hutchings, who performed The Last Post. The council also expressed gratitude to the community members who attended the event and those who participated in the parade.

Further Remembrance Sunday Services took place across the parish in Newlyn, Mousehole, Paul, Heamoor, and Gulval, ensuring that the entire community came together to remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.