Young and old gather to remember in Newcastle

Young and old gather to remember in Newcastle

13 November 2019

SILENCE fell at the foot of the snow-capped Mournes as young and old gathered to mark Remembrance Sunday in Newcastle. 

The early morning autumn sun beamed golden upon the faces of the 500 strong crowd of spectators who turned out to see former and current service personnel, youth groups and public representatives stand to attention on Central Promenade to pay their respects to their town’s 

war dead on this crisp, bright morning.

Among those present was Mrs Elsie Finlay, who recalled the day her husband, Billy, was taken from her and her three young daughters. 

Mr Finlay was a full-time officer in the RUC Reserve, who was shot dead in the Meadowlands estate in Downpatrick on October 6, 1983.

Mrs Finlay, who laid a wreath in memory of her husband, said that in his last moments he knew love and kindness as a woman cradled his head. She said that has been a small comfort to her in her darkest moments.

Carrying the standard for the Royal British Legion was Mr Neill Singer, who served in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, where he completed two tours of duty.

The war memorial – the familiar large stone lion — gazed on as if in admiration at the tenacity and pride of the townspeople in keeping the tradition of remembering those who fought and died defending democracy. 

The parade marshal, Mr Deon McNeilly, invited the deputy lord lieutenant for Co Down, Mrs Catherine Haughian, to inspect the parade. 

Many heads were bowed as The Last Post was sounded and Mr McNeilly recited Binyon’s Lines: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we shall remember them.”

The playing of Reveille was followed by the words of the Kohima Epitaph, “When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today”. 

Mrs Haughian laid the first wreath on behalf of the townspeople of Newcastle.

A wreath was laid on behalf of RAF by Squadron Leader Steve Bishop, while the Royal British Legion wreath was laid by Mr Kingsley Singer.

The following wreaths were also laid:

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service — Watch Commander Kenneth Annett.

Newcastle RNLI — Mr Patrick Pinkerton, coxswain Nathan Lenaghan and Shane Rice.

Newcastle Coastguard — Rescue officer Bill Nixon.

PSNI — Constables Sandy Boyd and Diarmuid Elder.

DUP South Down — Cllr Glynn Hanna.

UUP — Cllr Jill Macauley and Mr David Riddell.

Newcastle RUC George Cross Welfare Group — Mr Vincent Bradley and Mr Joe Thompson.

Banbridge South Down George Cross Association — Mr Wilbur Hazzard and Mr Gerard King who was representing his uncle Charlie who fought with the North Saffordshire Regiment.

Newcastle Temperance LOL 357 & Royal Black Preceptory 460 — Mr Kenny Cromie.

Star of Down Flute Band — Sammy Donaldson.

Crimson Arrow Pipe Band — Piper Ryan Kelly and Pipe Major Paul Kelly.

Shimna Integrated College — Caroline Morrow, Shauna-Lee Hempsey and Lauren Keown.

Newcastle Girls’ Brigade — Emily Annett, Emily McMullan and Masie Welsh-Hanna.

1st Slieve Donard Boys’ Brigade — Luke Williamson, Mathew Hamilton and Jonathan Graham.

Newcastle Scouts — Abigail Murray.