I fear for the future after woeful display

LIKE many others I attended the Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph next to Longton Park.

The vicar did a wonderful job, especially as she had to pop over from Congleton. That was the highlight !

In previous years when we used to assemble on the playground at Alexandra School, the atmosphere was wonderful.

We marched all the way down to Dresden and then up to the Cenotaph, which was probably about a mile.

All this behind a wonderful band with the crowds on the pavements as they heard the music booming out mixed with the orders from the drill instructors.

Sunday’s effort was woeful. The volunteers from the British Legion Meir and

Longton branch did a wonderful job trying to get the event off the ground in the first place.

Meeting in Longton Park itself, only one gate was open, the Fire Service sympathetically tried to close off the streets but without much success.

The music was a shadow of previous years, the march a very short one and very little organisation, it has to be said. The service itself was respectful and well attended by the various representatives, and there was no shortages of wreaths that were laid.

However there was no bus on for anyone who could not walk, as there was in previous years.

Unsubstantiated enquiries suggest little or no help was available from the council and other avenues. As usual health and safety issues, costs etc are being blamed.

There are many ex- service and non-service individuals who have been on many of these parades from the branch , all of whom were disappointed.

As the Remembrance Service and Parade is meant to be the highlight of the Royal British Legion calendar then sadly this is the beginning of the end.

Unless something radical happens to enhance the experience in 2023 then I fear future generations will be robbed of what was once an uplifting, moraleboosting showcase event for the south of the city.

BARRIE ROBERTS MEIR PARK