Silsden remembers the fallen at Armistice centenary service

The town's annual Service of Remembrance was held on November 11th, the centenary of the signing of the Armistice. A large number of residents attended Sunday's service at the memorial gardens. To mark the end of the 1914-18 war, the Remembrance included the distribution of more than 90 wristbands with the names of the Silsden servicemen who died in the conflict. Lance Corporal Harry Sykes (whose name is pictured above) lived in Daisy Hill. He was 24 when he was killed in action on the Western Front on July 18th, 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated at the Menin Gate, which is dedicated to the missing of the Ypres Salient. Harry had earlier served in the Gallipoli campaign. His parents had moved to Aire View by the time of their son's death.

The Silsden Royal British Legion wreath was laid by branch president Douglas Boulton (centre), assisted by his great granddaughter Hayleigh Beckwith.

More than 30 wreaths, announced by Lee Smith, were laid on behalf of the armed forces, civic authorities, emergency services, groups, churches and businesses.
 The names of Silsden's Fallen were read out with dignity by two Girl Guides and a Scout leader, Poppy, Ellie and Sarah. 

St James' Church choristers took part. Music was provided by the Town Band.  

The Vicar of St James', the Rev David Griffiths, and Father Michael McLaughlin, parish priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, officiated. Pictured above with the vicar is Jean Bower, chairman of Silsden Royal British Legion and parade commander.
The Newsome family are pictured by one of the 15 metal figures of soldiers with Great War inscriptions newly displayed at the memorial gardens. Local businesses sponsored 13 of the figures and the Royal British Legion two of the installations, which were made by Iron by Design, of Steeton.

Captain Bob Prosser and his wife Sheila, of Cringles, pose by the blue heritage plaque marking the original site of Silsden's cenotaph at Bolton Road End. Captain Prosser, of the Royal Engineers, served from 1948-78. He and Sheila have been married for 62 years. 

The plaque, organised by Silsden Local History Group, was installed by well-known local builder Danny Clarke, who is a staunch supporter of the community. Funding has come from the Harry Beverley Tillotson Trust and the Co-op. The Road End area has been enhanced by flower beds and a seat provided by the Friends of Silsden Green Places, also with Trust funding.

A cascade of knitted poppies outside Silsden Methodist Church.