Dudley honours the fallen

Amongst the 4,000 people at Dudley's Coronation Gardens Ceremony was Dudley North MP Ian Austin, a service he has attended since he was a child.

The ceremony had been attended by more people than ever before, he said: "It was an honour to be present, to be with local people paying their respects to men from the town who gave their lives fighting for the freedom and democracy that we enjoy today."

As well as the centenary, Mr Austin believed the events were bigger than before as people are 'more aware than ever of the sacrifices that British armed forces have continued to make for their country and they want to come out and show their support and gratitude'.

Councillor Margaret Aston, Mayor of Dudley, said the event was especially poignant as we reflected on it being the centenary of the Great War, and remembered people from the borough who tragically lost their lives in the conflict.

"The event also gave us chance to thank men and women who are serving at home and abroad in our Armed Forces today."

In Stourbridge, a parade began at Council House in Mary Stevens Park, before marching down Queen's Drive to the cenotaph for a service of Remembrance.

An additional wreath-laying ceremony was held later in the day by Stourbridge Army Cadets at the crematorium as part of First World War centenary commemorations.

Meanwhile, it was another record turnout in Halesowen, with standing room only during the church service.

RBL branch member Ray Clift said after the parade, which started at Somers Square then along the High Street to St John the Baptist Church, the club was also packed.

He said: "Last year was a good year as well, the last five to six years in Halesowen have been exceptional. It seems to be a record every year."

And in Kidderminster, hundreds turned out to watch the parade march through the town centre before a poignant service at the war memorial.

In Wednesbury at least 2000 attended the ceremony at the cenotaph, which RBL Chairman Leigh Jones said was the biggest turn out they have had for years.

"The area around the Cenotaph itself was absolutely chock-a-block, you couldn't move. They all came back to the club after and had to stand outside as the club wasn't big enough."

He believed the weather played a key role: "We always have a good turn out but this year is extra special, it has really been great."

The event got bigger every year for a small town, he said, and the club's Poppy organiser Linda Yates worked hard throughout the year to make it a success.

Twice as many people as usual attended the Oldbury ceremony, with RBL Chairman Tony Beale estimating 3000 people were there to pay their respects.

Usually between 1,000 and 1,500 attend, he said: "What a fantastic turn out from the people of Oldbury and Sandwell....being the 100 year anniversary of the First World War, I think there was definitely an impact there."

The parade, which started at the Low Town carpark and made its way to the war memorial in Civic Square, also had a fantastic crowd.

Mr Beale said it was the best parade they had had in 10 years, and he hoped to see everyone back next year supporting the RBL.

"I would like to thank every member that took part in the commemoration and celebration of the start of the First World War, and also those that paid their respects to those that lost their lives in defence of this country in all conflicts."

Tomorrow (TUES), Dudley will mark Armistice Day with an 11am service at the Clock Tower in Priory Street.

Veterans, council staff, councillors and members of the public will attend the service to mark the end of the First World War, laying wreaths and observing a two minutes silence.