ILKLEY has remembered its fallen heroes 100 years on from the end of the First World War.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Zafar Ali led a parade along The Grove of civic dignitaries including Ilkley Town Mayor, Councillor Steve Butler, cadets and uniformed organisations before a Remembrance Service and wreath laying ceremony in the Memorial Gardens, Ilkley, at 3pm on Sunday.

The service attracted large crowds who turned out to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives, not only in the Great War of 1914-1918 but in all the conflicts that the people of Britain and the Commonwealth countries have fought since.

During the Remembrance Service a new Armistice Memorial, organised by Mark Hunnebell and Joanne Everall, was unveiled. The new memorial is dedicated to the serving men of the Ilkley district who survived the Great War of 1914-1918 and those who came to the Ilkley district in the aftermath of the conflict to help build the post-war world.

It reads: "They returned from war to become the Fathers, Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers of the generations that live today. We are grateful for their contribution to the freedom that we enjoy and that we hope future generations will continue to uphold.

"This memorial, made possible through public donation and Ilkley Town Council, marks the centenary of the Armistice: 11th November 2018."

Also in the Memorial Gardens volunteers had planted 240 wooden red poppies to commemorate the 220 Ilkley residents who were killed in action during the four years of the First World War and the 20 pupils of Ilkley Grammar School who lived outside the town who were also lost in the conflict.

Edward Wild, of Ilkley, had meticulously researched their lives and produced a list of their names and details, often with photographs. Artist Russell Brown crafted the flower heads and stalks from timber and painted them with long-lasting paint. The cost was primarily met amongst the lawyers and estate agents of Ilkley.

An unusual wreath was also laid by the Ilkley and District U3A craft group to remember the 'Unremembered' - the men and women who cooked, cleaned and cared for the soldiers on or behind the front lines. They built roads and railways, they transported food, fuel and ammunition, filled sandbags and dug trenches.

Clare Smith, clerk to Ilkley Town Council said on Monday: "On behalf of the Town Council, I would like to thank you all for taking part in yesterday’s Remembrance Service and Parade. The children and young people taking part were a credit to their organisations and they should all be incredibly proud.

"The collection raised a fantastic £1898.91 for the Royal British Legion which is the most we have ever raised! Thank you all very much."

Remembrance Services were also held in Addingham, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston.

A record crowd of more than 300 people took part in events in Addingham to mark the centenary of The Armistice. St Peter's Church held a service of remembrance on Sunday morning, which was followed by a procession to the Addingham War Memorial where there was another short act of remembrance.

The churches of Burley-in-Wharfedale shared a United Service at the Methodist Church on Sunday morning, November 11, to join together with people around the country to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and the end of the First World War.

The church was packed, with standing room only, and the many children of the uniformed organisations had to sit on the floor at the front of the church and in the chancel area. Four of the children read the prayers and the Bible readings, with Mrs Wendy Walker leading the service and the Rev Alistair Kirk, of St Mary’s Parish Church, giving the address on the theme of “Hope and the Restoration of All Things.” A collection was taken and over £700 was raised for the British Legion.

Following the 9.45am service the congregation processed to the War Memorial to join the many others who had braved heavy rain to share in the Act of Remembrance. The names of all the fallen of the village from 1914 to the present day were read out after which a two minute silence was observed at 11am, ending with prayers and a blessing.

In Menston the Remembrance Sunday Service at 10.45am was held outside at Kirklands under a swathe of poppies. This was well supported by many young families as well as the strength of the congregations of the Parish and Methodist churches, the Menston Parish Council, the uniformed organisations and local residents. 
The service had been organised by the Menston Parish Council and the Menston Churches and there was an excellent response to such a memorable event. The moving and emotional service included the Act of Remembrance, when the names of the fallen at both World Wars and inscribed on the two memorials, were read before the Sounding of the Last Post and the two minute silence. Wreaths were then laid on behalf of many organisations and individuals as a symbol of remembrance and hope. Joyce Simpson read “Aftermath” by war poet, Siegfried Sassoon. Later two verses of the National Anthem were sung after the final hymn, “I vow to thee my country”. The service was conducted by the Vicar of St John’s Parish church, the Rev Steve Proudlove and the Methodist Minister, the Rev Tim Perkins. Afterwards refreshments (sponsored by Menston Co-op) were served in Kirklands where the service had been relayed to those unable to stand outside. There was also the opportunity to see a display and for young and old to record their individual wishes and prayers for peace. Donations were towards the work of ‘Help for Heroes’.