CROWDS gathered in the centre of Chippenham on Sunday to commemorate one hundred years since the Armistice, and to remember those who lost their lives.

The Mayor of Chippenham Coun Andy Phillips said: “It was incredible. The church was full, the streets were packed. I have never seen crowds like it before for Remembrance Day.”

The ceremony began just after ten with a procession of dignitaries, councillors and guests, including former Chippenham MP Sir Richard Needham, from the Town Hall to St Andrew’s church.

The parish priest the Rev Rod Key led the Service of Remembrance, and afterwards hundreds of people from across the generations gathered around the war memorial for the Act of Remembrance, the Exhortation and Last Post, and the two minutes’ silence.

“It was a very, very special occasion, that affected the whole of the community,” said Coun Phillips. “Those with personal memories, family memories, and as a town.”

After the silence came the Reveille and the reading of the Kohima Epitaph, the National Anthem and then the laying of the wreaths. The names on the war memorial were read aloud to acknowledge and remember those who died.

Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, General Sir Mike Jackson laid the first poppy wreath, followed by the Mayor of Chippenham, and representatives from the Royal British Legion and Ladies Section, Coun Peter Hutton for Wiltshire Council, 9 Regiment The Royal Logistics Corps and Wiltshire Constabulary.

The Chippenham Sea Cadets Band, which reformed especially for the occasion, led the procession back to the town hall. Chippenham Museum opened for the unveiling of the World War One Commemorative Tapestry by artist Fi Redmond. The mayor and mayoress also attended a Service of Remembrance at St Paul’s church in the afternoon.