December 2017
Shipston Remembers
Shipston once again turned out in force to remember the fallen during Remembrance weekend.
On Armistice Day, 11th November, Shipston’s town centre fell silent as shoppers and residents observed the two minutes’ silence from 11am. The ceremony was organised by Richard Adams and the British Legion. The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by 10 year old Alec Banner (pictured), a member of Shipston Junior Band and Stour Concert Brass.
Remembrance Sunday was a sight to behold as representatives from many groups joined the Remembrance Parade from the High Street to St Edmund’s Church.
As has been the case every year since the band reformed after the Second World War, members of Shipston Town Band and Stour Concert Brass led the procession. Under the baton of Charlie Cox, the band played the British Legion March.
The procession was headed by the British Legion and Shipston’s Mayor along with local councillors and included Shipston High School representatives, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies Beavers and Rainbows plus local firefighters and the St John Ambulance.
A crowd six deep met the procession at the church and after wreaths were laid the parade moved inside for the service. Principal Cornet Luke Barker played the Last Post and Reveille and the band played Elgar’s Nimrod during the collection.
After the service the band led the procession back to the square playing the 1914 March comprising a medley of songs from the Great War.
Town Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “I was immensely proud to take part in such an impressive show of community spirit and respect for our service men and women. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the Town Council on Remembrance Sunday and would like to thank all those who took part in the parade, including Richard Adams, the Royal British Legion and Shipston Town Band, for making this event such a proud occasion for the town.”
Shipston celebrates 20 years of the Rotary Victorian Evening
This year’s Victorian Evening will be extra special as Shipston Rotary marks the event’s 20th anniversary.
Taking place this year on Friday 1st December, the Victorian Evening is one of the most important and well loved events in the town’s calendar. Officially heralding the start of Christmas in Shipston, the Victorian Evening is an event for all the family.
Festivities will begin with carol singing by local primary school children, followed by the switching on of the Rotary Tree of Life and town Christmas lights. The Tree of Life is a wonderful opportunity to remember lost loved ones, with each bulb sponsored in memory of someone missed, and proceeds going to charity.
To kick start the festive feeling, there will be over 40 stalls offering various festive treats and gifts. New for this year will be a German Market-style ‘Sweet Station’ selling traditional sweets, as well as specialist gift stalls, while lots of other favourites will also be returning. Many of the town’s shops will be open throughout the event so it’s the perfect opportunity to put a dent in your Christmas shopping list.
Attractions include music and entertainment, and of course Santa’s Grotto, with Father Christmas himself due to make an appearance, supported by his loyal elves.
To keep you going through the evening, various stalls will be selling mulled wine and mince pies, while the Hog Roast will be back to keep hunger at bay.
Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “Shipston’s Victorian Evening is always a special night. For many of us, it’s the official start of the festive season. Shipston Rotary does a fantastic job every year to organise a fun evening for everyone.
“I would like to congratulate Shipston Rotary on reaching their 20-year anniversary and I hope as many people as possible will support this extra special Victorian Evening.”
Proceeds from the evening go to charity and other local good causes.