South Tyneside falls silent to remember our heroes on Armistice Day

Hundreds of people attended a number of events across the borough for Armistice Day, which is recognised every year in the UK on November 11.

The Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Alan and Councillor Moira Smith, led tributes in Monkton Village with a parade from Lord Nelson Pub to the War Memorial for a service. The Mayor joined others in laying a wreath to pay his respects.

Armistice Day services were also held in South Shields at St Stephen’s Church in Mile End Road, the Merchant Navy Memorial at Mill Dam and the War Memorial at West Park, South Shields.

Coun Smith, Mayor of South Tyneside, said: “I was honoured to lead the Borough’s tributes on Armistice Day in Hebburn and to pay my respects on behalf of South Tyneside’s residents.

“As the Borough’s first citizen, I was taken aback by how many of South Tyneside’s communities came together to show their pride and to pay their respects to those who have sacrificed so much, in current and past conflicts, to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

“This poignant occasion is a chance to recognise the vital work of the Armed Forces across the globe as well as remember those who have fallen.

“Armistice Day also serves as a source of encouragement to the families of Armed Forces personnel that their sacrifices continue to be remembered and will never be forgotten.”

A number of services and parades will also take place this Sunday, should people wish to pay their respects.

Full details of South Tyneside’s Remembrance Sunday events are as follows. For more information on temporary road closures, click here.

South Shields:

10:30am: Parade will assemble on Beach Road at South Shields Town Hall before marching along Westoe Road to Westoe Cenotaph for service at 10:55am. Wreaths will be laid by the Mayor and Mayoress, the Leader and Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council, alongside other organisations and individuals.

Hebburn:

10am: The parade Assembles at Hebburn Central before marching to St John’s Church for a service at 10.15am. Parade reforms and marches to Carr Ellison Park for a short service at the War Memorial. Parade reforms once more and marches to Hebburn Cemetery for a short service at Kelly Grave. Councillor Alan Kerr, the Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals.

Jarrow:

10.40am: Parade assembles outside of Jarrow Town Hall, before marching to the War Memorial in Station Street for a service at 10.50am. Wreaths will be laid by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Olive Punchion, alongside other organisations and individuals.

Whitburn:

10.40am: Parade assembles at Whitburn Parish Church before moving off towards the War Memorial in Whitburn where a service will take place. Councillor Tracey Dixon will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals.

Cleadon:

10:50am: Service at Cleadon Village War Memorial. Councillor Margaret Meling will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals.

East Boldon:

10:15am: Parade will assemble in Grey Horse car park, before marching to St George’s Church for a service. The parade will reassemble and march to the war memorial where Councillor Joan Atkinson will lay a wreath alongside other organisations and individuals.