This November 2018 marks 100 years since the Armistice which ended the First World War.
A programme of events in York is marking the milestone. Both reflecting on the past and building towards a better future, the events run up to services on Remembrance Sunday.
Last Saturday (November 3) more than 1,000 school students took part in an interactive event organised by York Minster and City of York Council to mark the centenary. It enabled the youngsters to explore the meaning and impact the war had on families in York.
Public readings
The final few readings, all at 11am, take place at these locations:
- Wednesday, November 7: at Castle Museum read by the York Museum Trust
- Thursday, November 8: at Acomb Green War Memorial read by Westfield Ward councillors Andrew Waller, Susan Hunter and Sheena Jackson
- Saturday, November 10: on the Mansion House steps read by the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association
- Sunday, November 11: the Cenotaph, Memorial Gardens.
Following the reading at All Saints Church on Pavement on October 3, thousands of handcrafted poppies were attached to netting to create an impressive instillation. This was put up last week on the 3rd of November and will remain on display until the 19th of November.
From November 6-14, the Ivy in St Helen’s Square has its own installation, featuring more than 2000 poppies. The restaurant also is providing a poppy-themed afternoon tea.
Remembrance Sunday
Services of remembrance will be held throughout York as the day continues with a special service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration held at York Minster at 9.30am with words from The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.
This will precede the annual parade through York for the Service of Remembrance in the City Memorial Gardens at 11am where a minute’s silence will be observed before the final names are read from the King’s Book of York Heroes by Cllr Orrell.
Other memorial events will be taking place across the city, including:
Haxby Memorial Hall
It will host a multi media event between 2pm – 6pm to honour the centenary. Guests will be able to experience period film and music, an archive display and period activities for young people and light refreshments will be served.
The Church of St Mary, Bishophill Junior
A concert of remembrance will be held at 5pm with choral music and readings on the lives of Bishophill military and civil personnel lost during the First World War.
St Lawrence Church
An evensong service led by students of the parish in honour of the centenary at 6pm.
Poppleton Green
Battle’s Over – A Poppleton Tribute will take place between 6:30pm – 7:30pm with a band, choir and bugler for lighting of a beacon, remembrance prayers and refreshments.
St Olave’s, Marygate Lane
A service of music and readings at 7pm, including Mozart’s Requiem, with the Choir and Orchestra of St Olave’s.
Rawcliffe Remembrance
Rawcliffe Parish Council has planned WWI Beacons of Light, a tribute to the end of the First World War between 6:15pm – 8pm.
Elvington
Remembrance Day Parade and Services at Elvington Village War Memorial at 10.30am and Yorkshire Air Museum, Station Chapel at 1.30pm
Copmanthorpe Memorial Green
Beacon and Remembrance at 10:30am
Church Rembrance Services
8:30am and 10:30am – St. Stephen’s Church, Acomb
10.00am – St Denys, St Denys Road
10.15am – St Lawrence, Lawrence Street
10.30am – All Saints Church Pavement North Street
10.30am – St Olaves, Marygate Lane
10:30am – Lidgett Methodist Church, Acomb
10.55am – St Helen, Helen’s Square
10.55am – St Martin, Coney Street
10.55am – Holy Trinity, Micklegate
First York is honouring members of the armed forces by providing free bus travel. This will allow members to travel easily to events and services.