THE people of Penzance came together on Sunday, November 10, to remember those from the parish who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Organised by Penzance Council, the Remembrance Sunday event began with a civic parade through the town led by Lieutenant Commander Simon Stevenson from RNAS Culdrose. Starting at St John’s Hall and finishing at the War Memorial at Battery Rocks where a Remembrance Service was held, the parade marched to the beat of drummer Tom Wheatley from Humphry Davy School, who stepped in at the last minute to offer his rhythmical talents. 

The Cornish language featured prominently in the service, which was led by the Revd Howard Peskett and featured a reading by the mayor of Penzance Cllr Stephen Reynolds, as well as words from Michael Dash and the Mayor’s Sea Cadet – Able Cadet Autumn Rhodes McClean. Penzance Town Crier Phil Northcott and Isaac Hutchings played The Last Post.

The mayor of Penzance and councillors from Penzance Council were joined for the parade and service by local veterans; representatives from the Royal British Legion Penzance Branch; Penzance Sea Cadets; Penzance Army Cadets; Penzance Police; Penzance Fire Station Crew; St John Ambulance; 1st Penzance Brownies; Penzance Salvation Army; Humphry Davy School; Mounts Bay Academy; St Mary’s C of E Primary School; the Penzance-Concarneau Twinning Association; the Penzance-Cuxhaven Twinning Association; the Rotary Club of Penzance; the Rotary Club of Mounts Bay; Penzance Civic Society; St Mary’s Church and Penzance Lions Club. Penzance Silver Band also attended the service to play whilst the poppy wreaths were laid at the war memorial.

Following the service, mayor of Penzance Cllr Reynolds commented: “Remembrance Sunday is a special event in our civic calendar, made all the more powerful by the spectacular location of the service at Battery Rocks, on the holy headland from which our town takes its name. And at a time when war and strife fill so much of our daily news, it’s more important than ever to remember those who gave their lives in past conflicts.” 

Remembrance Sunday services were also held in Newlyn, Mousehole, Paul, Heamoor and Gulval to remember the service and sacrifice of all those from the parish.