Tonbridge and Malling will come together to remember those who have died serving their country in a series of Remembrance events across the borough.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling will join other dignitaries, military, clergy and community groups at commemorations on Sunday, November 9 and on Armistice Day, Tuesday November 11.
Smaller services, organised by local parish councils, will also take place at war memorials in villages across the borough, to remember the selfless men and women of our armed forces.
On Armistice Day (Tues, November 11) in Tonbridge town centre there will be a two-minute silence, starting and ending with the firing of maroons at 11am and 11.02am followed by a short service at the Town Memorial, by the Watergate. The ceremony will be attended by the Mayor of Tonbridge and the Deputy Lieutenant, Louise Bryant.
Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Chris Brown said: "For over a hundred years communities in our towns and villages have gathered on this day to remember and give thanks to those who gave their lives for us. It will be an honour to stand before the War Memorial to reflect on the courage and bravery of the many men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
In Aylesford there will be a service at the Royal British Legion Industries Village (RBLI), in the Garden of Honour from 10.50am, where Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kim Tanner will lay a wreath on behalf of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
Remembrance services on Sunday November 9:
- Tonbridge 10.30am: Tonbridge Remembrance Day and Service will begin with the traditional parade leaving Tonbridge Castle at 10.30am. It will process down Bank Street, onto the High Street, and into Bradford Street before gathering for the service and commemoration at the memorial gardens. The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Chris Brown, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Louise Bryant and Tom Tugendhat MP and other dignitaries will lay wreaths, followed by two minutes silence and the sounding of The Last Post.
- King’s Hill 10.30am: Parish Council’s Remembrance Parade and Service, King’s Hill The parade will march from King’s Hill Community Centre to the War Memorial at Gibson Drive where the service of Remembrance will take place. The Deputy Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Cllr Kim Tanner, will be attending.
- West Malling 2.10pm: West Malling Parish Council’s Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service, will begin on the High Street where the Mayor, Cllr Chris Brown, will take the salute. This will be followed by a parade and a service of remembrance in St Mary’s Church at 2.30pm. There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial.
- Snodland 2.30pm: Snodland Town Council Remembrance Day Parade starts from Holmesdale School and processes to Snodland Cemetery, where the service takes place from 3pm. Former Mayor, Cllr Sue Bell will attend and lay a wreath on behalf of the Mayor and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. Deputy Lieutenant Marion Regan and MP Tristan Osborne will also attend.
- Aylesford 3pm: The parade will assemble at Mountbatten Pavilion at 2.45pm and process to the Garden of Honour where there will be a brief service from 3pm. Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kim Tanner, will be in attendance for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
Members of the public are welcome to attend any of these services and may also lay wreaths during the ceremonies at the war memorials. If you wish to lay a wreath please contact events@tmbc.gov.uk
Please note that local road closures may be in place for a short period to allow parades to pass through.