Members of the Armed Forces and emergency services at a Remembrance Service at County Hall, Morpeth

Northumberland remembers  


War veterans and representatives of the Armed Forces and emergency services  joined together with members of the public and local councillors to help commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war.

A Remembrance themed fire engine was also unveiled at the service and a memorial tree planted in the grounds at County Hall, Morpeth  which was dedicated to all those who have died in wars past and present.

The Copper Beech tree, donated by Forestry England to mark 100 years of forestry  was planted by  96 year old  war veteran Mr Fred Jewett during the service where wreaths were laid, prayers said and a two minute silence was held. 

A fire engine, dramatically livered up with poppies and silhouettes of soldiers and the wording ‘Lest We Forget’ provided a poignant backdrop to the service.

Meanwhile a ghost soldier -  a striking life size wire art sculpture  depicting World War One soldiers - stood guard over the congregation.

War veteran Fred Jewett who served with the Royal Navy was there with his 91 year old wife Miriam. He joined the Navy in july 1939 as a young boy and war broke out just a few months later in September.  Fred worked on a number of ships including HMS Ashanti, a Destroyer which was tasked with protecting large convoys of ships carrying guns and tanks from Iceland to Russia. Unfortunately during one trip the German submarines were lying in wait  and of the 47 ships that started out from Iceland, only five arrived in Russia.  

Mr Jewett said: “We are very proud of what we did and what we achieved at war. I am invited here every year by Northumberland County Council and always try to come. Today brings back many personal memories of friends who didn’t make it back home. That to me is what today is all about. Remembering them, and all the servicemen and civilians  in other countries who lost their lives too. The Russians who were our allies lost a staggering six million men. It really was a terrible, terrible time.”

During the Remembrance Service, wreaths of poppies were laid  at the war memorial by the HM Vice Lord Lieutenant, Bryony Gibson, The High Sheriff, the Civic Head of the County Council and representatives of other organisations. A bugler Alison Percival  played the Last Post.

Paul Hedley, chief fire officer with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said:

“The remembrance wrap showcases our support for all those who have been affected by conflict, and our support and respect not just for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also those that have, and are still bravely serving in the Forces. ”

 
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