Hundreds attend torchlight Remembrance procession
More than 300 people took part in a torchlight procession and church service at Portchester Castle on the evening of Remembrance Sunday.
The event was primarily targeted at young people, with both the march and church service featuring contributions from the youth.
The procession, which started in Portchester Castle car park and ended at St Mary’s Church inside the castle, was fronted by TS Tenacity — a Nautical Training Corps.
TS Tenacity is a youth organisation in Portsmouth that recruits children aged 7–18 with the help of adult volunteers.
Members of the group played a mix of songs, including famous war songs and hits from musicals. While a marching band at the front of the procession had instruments covered with fairy lights.
Mike Hurdle, an officer in the Navy who led the march, said: “Remembrance has classically been a solemn event, so the band played uplifting songs to show that it’s a celebration.
“As it is the 100 year anniversary, we want to show that we are celebrating the end of war.”
The procession itself was done to symbolise the marching of soldiers during the First World War as they went off to fight.
The following service at St Mary’s Church, titled ‘Battle’s Over’, also followed the theme of putting youth at the forefront.
Maddison Tait, a year 9 student, sang a moving version of ‘I Vow to Me My Country’ and then read ‘War Poem’ by Eryn Tait.
At the end of the service, 37 tea lights were placed around a candle by children in remembrance of the 37 Portchester soldiers who never returned from World War One.
Portsmouth veteran, who served three tours, Andrew Woody said: “I came to this event to pay my respects to the fallen in all conflicts.
“Events like this are important to teach children about peace, unification and sacrifice.”
The service concluded with a beacon being lit by Fareham Mayor, Cllr Susan Bayford. This was then followed with the moving ‘Last Post’ being played in a final moment of remembrance.
