Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 14 November 1930
Last Remembrance Day was honoured in Conisboro’ with a fervour which indicated that the public had not forgotten, and there were many who thought the “peak” had been reached.
That was an erroneous impression, for Sunday’s observance far exceeded any previous attempt at homage to those who lost their lives in the War.
The parade formed in Brook Square at 2-15. All invited bodies attended, and if there were any overlooked it is to be hoped that they will intimate this before next year’s observance.
Mr. T. Taylor, D.C.M. led the parade, and he was followed by the Ambulance Band, this being the first occasion on which this band has honoured Conisboro’ with its presence on Remembrance Day. Then came the British Legion, with ex-Service man from Crookhill Receiving Home, the Ambulance and Nursing Division, the Salvation Army Band, Boy Scouts, with band, Ivanhoe Cycling Club, Denaby Church Lads’ Brigade with band, the Fire Brigade, and other organised bodies.
The parade was under the command of Lieut. C. J. Pickett, M.C., as in former years.
Before moving off, recognition was made of sterling service in the ambulance cause. District Officer W. Still handed to Staff-Sgt. W. A. Akester the service medal bar with two crosses to mark 25 years’ work, and he pinned a service medal on Ambulance Sister A, Barker, commending them for their work.
By Sheffield Road, Park Road, Daylands, Old Road, and Church Street, the parade moved to the Parish Church, where all the unreserved accommodation had been taken, and when the procession arrived it packed the sacred edifice. The Vicar, the Rev. Harry Lee was assisted by the Rev. J. Robinson. Coon. C. E. Webster read the Lesson. The Vicar preached from the text, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” After the service, headed by the clergy and choir, the parade re-formed and moved to Coronation Park where a vast crowd had assembled.
Mr. Irad Webster, who presided, stated that as chairman of the committee which erected the Memorial and handed it over to the Council, he was glad to observe the manner of its keeping. It would be difficult to find a finer setting for such a ceremony. He thanked the British Legion for the work the members did annually in organising the proceedings. The Salvation Army Band played for the hymns and for the National Anthem.
The parade then marched to Brook Square, where, prior to dismissal, Lieut. Pickett paid tribute to the organisation of Coun. C. E. Webster, which had done so much to make the day so memorable. Many poppies were planted in the Garden of Remembrance.