Young and old came together for Remembrance services around the town yesterday.

Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Martyn Bolt, said he was touched so many people attended services throughout the district.

He and Clr Ken Sims, the deputy mayor, both attended services in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.

Clr Bolt said: “It is a great honour and privilege at any time to represent the community, but even more so over the last few days.

“Since Thursday I have attended many and varied events commemorating and remembering servicemen and women. All have been poignant, moving and very respectful for those who gave their lives.

“It has been a great honour and privilege to meet and speak to so many veterans.

“Likewise, there were many young people attending. Since we as a town have suffered our own losses I think it has heightened support from young people.

Children from Huddersfield Grammar School at the Armistice Day service at Greenhead Park Cenotaph
Children from Huddersfield Grammar School at the Armistice Day service at Greenhead Park Cenotaph

“I hope that will continue and that young people continue in years to come to maintain Remembrance Services.”

At Greenhead Park deputy mayor Clr Ken Smith joined Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney, who laid a wreath, children from Huddersfield Grammar School, war veterans and local Royal British Legion branches for a service at the town’s war memorial.

Armistice Day service at Greenhead Park Cenotaph
Armistice Day service at Greenhead Park Cenotaph

X-Factor winner Joe McElderry joined Kirklees Massed Choir at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Choirmaster Emily Reaves-Bradley organised the event in aid of the Poppy Appeal, with The Yorkshire Band of the Royal British Legion also performing.

Emily said they hope to have raised a “significant” amount and will get the total in the coming days.

“It was a fantastic event,” she said. “Joe sounded amazing with the choir and the audience were so responsive and welcoming.

“Remembrance was at the core of the concert, but we wanted to celebrate and commemorate all we have thanks to these amazing people who serve their country and those who gave their lives for what we have today.

Joe McElderry and Kirklees Massed Choir at Huddersfield Town Hall.
Joe McElderry and Kirklees Massed Choir at Huddersfield Town Hall.

“During Hymn To The Fallen ladies in the choir held up photos to their grandfathers or fathers who served.

“We have Pte Tom Wroe’s auntie in the choir and she held up a photo of him to bring it home that it isn’t just about World War One or World War Two, but today’s service too.

“The Poppy Appeal does amazing work with our troops today and we hope to have raised a significant amount to support their work.”

A Memorial Garden opened at the John Smith’s Stadium with two minutes silence held as part of the service.

And children helped open the garden, which backs on to the river at the stadium end of the car park.

Birkby Junior School children helped plant the garden with poppy seeds.

Children from Birkby Junior School planting the memorial garden at John Smith's Stadium
Children from Birkby Junior School planting the memorial garden at John Smith's Stadium

The centrepiece of the garden is the St John’s Stone, now restored by local sculptor Dave Bradbury.

New Mill Church was full to capacity for the annual Remembrance Day Service, which was led by Canon Sean Robertshaw.

The readings were done by members of Holmfirth Army Cadets and the Air Cadets.

Wreaths were laid by the Royal British Legion, Holmfirth Council, police, cadets, cubs, brownies and local schools.

Remembrance Service at New Mill
Remembrance Service at New Mill

In his address, Canon Robertshaw, who is an Army Padre and has served in Afghanistan, spoke about the Battle Back Centres run by the Royal British Legion.

The organist was Dr Geoffrey Lockwood who also conducted Hepworth Band who played the hymns.

After the service, the parade, led by the band, and followed by the various standards and organisations, marched to the Memorial Room at New Mill Club, where the Last Post was sounded. This was followed by a minute’s silence and then the Reveille before the wreaths were presented and laid in the Memorial Room within the club.

In Elland children from local schools joined together with veterans for a Remembrance Service in the town square.

Children from Old Earth School, Cross Lane and Elland Church of England schools lined the square and read out poems during the service.

The Rev Philip Chadwick, Branch Chaplain to RBL Elland, Greetland and District Branch, led the service.

Members of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

Elland Remembrance Service - G. Scott, Rev. P. Chadwick - Branch Chaplin to RBL Elland, Greetland and District Branch, Standard Bearer G. Yates
Elland Remembrance Service - G. Scott, Rev. P. Chadwick - Branch Chaplin to RBL Elland, Greetland and District Branch, Standard Bearer G. Yates

In Almondbury around 200 children from schools attended a service at the town’s war memorial yesterday.

Rastrick Independent School held an outdoor Remembrance Service. The recorder group played the Last Post as did the parent ‘piper’ Bruce Luty.

A sixth former, Paige Spencer, read In Flanders Field and all planted wooden crosses with poppies on in the Remembrance Garden where they will remain until next spring.

Do you have a relative who died fighting in one of Britain’s ‘forgotten wars’?

Perhaps you had a relation who fought in The Aden Emergency or The Spanish Civil War?

Maybe you know somebody who served in Palestine or Rhodesia after World War Two.

Following the impact of our Korean War appeal, The Examiner hopes to launch a campaign to remember the men and women who served their country in forgotten conflicts.

If you’ve a story please call: 01484 437712 or email editorial@examiner.co.uk.