Honouring the Fallen: Penzance Marks Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day with Acts of Commemoration

The people of Penzance came together on Remembrance Sunday to honour the sacrifices made by parish members in past conflicts. Organised by Penzance Council, the events began with a civic parade led by Lieutenant Commander Simon Stevenson of RNAS Culdrose. Marching from St John’s Hall to the War Memorial at Battery Rocks, the parade’s rhythm was kept by Tom Wheatley, a student at Humphry Davy School, who stepped in last minute to drum for the occasion. The service, led by Revd Howard Peskett, featured readings in both English and Cornish, including contributions from Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds, Michael Dash, and Able Cadet Autumn Rhodes McClean of the Sea Cadets.

Local veterans and a diverse range of community groups joined in the service, from the Royal British Legion Penzance Branch and the Penzance Fire Station Crew to youth organisations like the 1st Penzance Brownies and Humphry Davy School. Penzance Silver Band performed as wreaths were laid at the war memorial, creating a poignant moment of reflection for the gathered crowd.

A Message of Gratitude and Reflection

Following the service, Stephen Reynolds expressed the significance of this day for Penzance, stating: “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.”

Penzance Council extended its gratitude to Penzance BID, Jubilee Pool, Town Crier Phil Northcott, and Isaac Hutchings, who played The Last Post, as well as everyone who contributed to making the day memorable.

Armistice Day and Routes of Remembrance 2024

Commemorations continued on Monday, 11 November, with a special early morning Act of Remembrance marking Armistice Day. Stephen Reynolds, along with representatives from Armed Forces charities, laid wreaths on the 5.03am GWR ‘Poppies to Paddington’ train, as part of Routes of Remembrance 2024 organised by The Veterans Charity. The symbolic journey saw wreaths travel across the country, converging in London for a remembrance service at Paddington Station.

“Poppies to Paddington is a wonderful act of remembrance, bringing together communities along one of the world’s most famous railway lines,” noted Stephen. “It’s an honour to take part, and huge thanks to The Veterans Charity, and the railway staff at GWR, for making it happen.”

Final Tribute at Penlee Park

The last Act of Remembrance took place in the Memorial Gardens at Penlee Park, where Pastor Charles Fleming and Revd Howard Peskett led a brief service, concluding with a two-minute silence at 11am. Additional services were held across nearby communities, including Newlyn, Mousehole, Paul, Heamoor, and Gulval.

The Council expressed its thanks to everyone involved in organising these events and to those who came to pay their respects, highlighting the deep community spirit that underscores Penzance’s Acts of Remembrance.