Royal British Legion parade in Southwold
Dedication of a new Standard

On Sunday 1st June, thirty eight Standards of the Royal British Legion paraded throughout the town preceded by the Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums. This was a sight to behold as the Standards from all over Suffolk marched to St Edmund's Church for the Service which was to dedicate a new Standard for the 'G' Group section of the Legion.

Following a very heavy downpour in the morning, the weather was fine as over 200 members of the Legion came to the town. A wreath was laid at the War Memorial by the Group Chairman, Mr Derek Doy accompanied by four Standard Bearers and a silent tribute was observed following the Last Post.

The parade began in the market place and several Legion members followed the Standards on foot, proud to be part of this magnificent parade. The old Standard was carried by the Group Standard Bearer, Mr Bob Honeywood and the new Standard was carried into the Church, furled and tied with ribbon, by Mr John Farmer.

The singing of hymns was accompanied by the Leiston Royal British Legion Band and the Team Rector of the Sole Bay Team Southwold, Jane Wilson conducted the Service during which the old Standard was laid up to be retained in the Church and the new one was dedicated and returned to Mr Bob Honeywood who led the parade from the Church to St Edmunds Hall where the Mayor of Southwold Mrs Allen accompanied by County officials from the Royal British Legion inspected the parade.

Refreshments were served afterwards in St Edmunds Hall and Mr Derek Doy propsed votes of thanks to all those who had taken part in any way to make this so successful mentioning in particular special thanks to Adnams Brewery who had purchased the Standard for the Group.