Key Points
- Remembrance Sunday events scheduled across Havering on 9 November.
- Parades and services in Romford, Hornchurch, Elm Park, Upminster, Harold Wood, Harold Hill, and Rainham.
- Romford parade begins at 10:30am outside Liberty Shopping Centre, ending at Coronation Gardens.
- Hornchurch event starts at 10:45am from Appleton Way.
- Elm Park service begins outside Royal British Legion at 10:45am with two-minute silence at 11:00am.
- Upminster parade starts at 10:30am at St Mary’s Lane and a service at Memorial Hall, Harold Wood at 10:45am.
- Harold Hill’s service at War Memorial from 10:40am.
- Rainham parade commences at 10:30am at Rainham War Memorial, Upminster Road South.
- Mayor of Havering, Councillor Sue Ospreay, encourages public participation to honour armed forces.
What Remembrance Sunday events are planned in Havering?
As reported by the Romford Recorder, a series of parades and public services will be held throughout the London Borough of Havering on Sunday, 9 November, to commemorate Remembrance Sunday, an occasion dedicated to honouring those who served in Britain’s armed forces.
The Romford Remembrance Day parade is scheduled to start at 10:30am outside the Liberty Shopping Centre. Participants will then march to end at Coronation Gardens along Main Road, the site of the memorial service.
Hornchurch’s parade and service will begin later at 10:45am from Appleton Way, as the community gathers to pay their respects.
In Elm Park, a Remembrance service will be held outside the Royal British Legion on Maylands Avenue, beginning at 10:45am. A two-minute silence is planned at 11:00am to honour the fallen.
Upminster will see its parade start at 10:30am on St Mary’s Lane, while Harold Wood will host a service at the Memorial Hall beginning at 10:45am.
Harold Hill’s service will take place at the War Memorial starting at 10:40am.
Finally, Rainham will hold its parade at 10:30am, beginning at the Rainham War Memorial on Upminster Road South.
Who is leading the remembrance efforts in Havering?
Councillor Sue Ospreay, the Mayor of Havering, spoke to the Romford Recorder expressing the borough’s commitment to marking the event. She stated:
“We welcome everyone to come together and mark Remembrance Sunday once again in Havering. It gives the borough a chance to remember our servicemen and servicewomen from Britain and the Commonwealth, who gave so much in order to keep us safe.”
Highlighting the broader historical significance, Councillor Ospreay also noted:
“This year has seen the historic 80th anniversary of both VE Day and VJ Day, where our great nation celebrated 80 years of peace since the end of World War Two — a peace that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrifice to achieve.”
She emphasised the community’s pride in standing together annually to recognise the bravery and sacrifices of the armed forces:
“We are proud to stand as a community to mark Remembrance Sunday each November, which highlights the continued bravery and sacrifices of our Armed Forces.”
Why is Remembrance Sunday important to Havering and the UK?
Remembrance Sunday is observed across the United Kingdom to honour those who lost their lives in conflicts, particularly during the two World Wars and subsequent military engagements. Havering’s commemorations form part of this national tradition, reflecting the respect paid to servicemen and servicewomen from both Britain and the Commonwealth.
The 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day this year underline the significance of remembering peace achieved after the sacrifices of millions. Events such as the parades and services provide communities the opportunity to unite in reflection, remembrance, and gratitude.
Where can the public participate in Havering’s Remembrance events?
Residents and visitors can attend several locations across the borough on Sunday, 9 November:
- Romford: Parade from Liberty Shopping Centre at 10:30am, ending at Coronation Gardens.
- Hornchurch: Parade and service starting at 10:45am from Appleton Way.
- Elm Park: Service at Royal British Legion, Maylands Avenue at 10:45am, with the two-minute silence at 11:00am.
- Upminster: Parade at 10:30am starting from St Mary’s Lane.
- Harold Wood: Service at Memorial Hall from 10:45am.
- Harold Hill: Service at War Memorial at 10:40am.
- Rainham: Parade at Rainham War Memorial, Upminster Road South, starting at 10:30am.
The Mayor encourages all to join these public events to pay their respects.
What is the community response to the Remembrance Sunday parade and services?
The community in Havering typically shows strong support and attendance at Remembrance Sunday events, reflecting a shared dedication to honouring military sacrifice and history. The continuation of these gatherings each November, as noted by Councillor Sue Ospreay, underscores the significance placed on remembering past sacrifices and promoting unity.
