Eleventh hour marked by silence

Eleventh hour marked by silence

16 November 2022

NEWCASTLE fell silent at 11am as the town paid its tribute to the fallen on Sunday.

A large crowd gathered close to the war memorial in Central Promenade for the short, yet poignant, act of remembrance.

The guest of honour was the Lord Lieutenant of Co Down, Mr Gawn Rowan-Hamilton, who, along with the other participants, was welcomed by the parade commander, Mr Deon McNeilly, from the Newcastle Royal British Legion branch.

The music was provided by Crimson Arrow Pipe Band. The Royal British Legion standard bearer was Mr Neal Singer.

The Lord Lieutenant was introduced to many of those taking part before the parade was brought to attention and proceedings got underway.

The Last Post was sounded and was followed by two minutes’ silence. Mr McNeilly recited Binyon’s Lines, which was followed by Reveille. 

The first wreath was laid by the Lord Lieutenant, who was accompanied by Sea Cadet Sophie McCullagh.

The Royal British Legion branch wreath was laid by Mr Kingsley Singer.

Wreaths were also laid by the following:

PSNI — Constable Sandy Boyd.

RUC George Cross Association — Mr Wilbert Hassard and Mr Harry Cully.

Newcastle RNLI – Mr Patrick Pinkerton, who was escorted by Trez Dennison and Orlaith Mooney.

Newcastle Coastguard — Mrs Gwenda Kenneally, who was escorted by Mr Alan Jones and Mr Tony Watson.

DUP — Mrs Diane Forsyth MLA, who was escorted by Mr Richard McKee.

UUP — Mr Lloyd Douglas.

Royal Co Down Golf Club — Mr Kevin Lowry, captain.

Newcastle RBP 460 — Mr Kenny Cromie.

Newcastle Temperance LOL 357 — Mr Trevor Orr.

Star of Down Flute Band, Maghera — Mr Sammy Donaldson, who was accompanied by Mr Ian Cummins and Mr Kenny Cromie.

1st Newcastle Scouts — Arabella Kinkead-Beattie, who was escorted by Abigail Murray and Irie Craig.

1st Newcastle Cub Scouts — Tom Minnis.

1st Slieve Donard Boys’ Brigade — Aaron Macauley, who was escorted by Sam Macauley and Euan McCaughey.

Newcastle Girls’ Brigade — Sophie Kincaid, who was escorted by Sophie Mayers and Isabella Mayers.

Shimna Integrated College — Ryan Kearney, who was escorted by Catherine Watson and Aleksei McCulla.

A wreath was also laid on behalf of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

The National Anthem brought proceedings to a close.