Behind the community effort that brought Ossett’s Remembrance service to 11am
For years Ossett residents gathered around the town’s war memorial at 11am on Remembrance Sunday though the town’s official service traditionally took place in the afternoon.
A community effort eventually brought the Royal British Legion service into line with the national 11am tradition in 2023.
Anne-Marie Fawcett, who is behind the Ossett Through The Ages community history group, said: “Determined to address community feedback and align Ossett with the national 11am tradition, we joined the Royal British Legion to boost membership and make an 11am Ossett service a reality.”
Afternoon proceedings had traditionally begun with an assembly on Northfield Lane before a procession to Holy Trinity Church for a 2.15pm service.
The parade then made its way along Church Street, Ventnor Way and Wesley Street into the town centre, where a service was held at the war memorial and wreaths were laid.
The afternoon timing dated back to the amalgamation of Ossett RBL with Horbury RBL to form the Horbury, Sitlington and Ossett Branch.
With members unable to attend services in both places at the same time, Horbury held its service in the morning while Ossett’s took place in the afternoon.
In 2016, Royal British Legion Parade Marshal Peter Waters introduced an Act of Remembrance for those gathering in the town centre in the morning.
Many residents who attended the morning gathering did not return for the afternoon parade and service.
Anne-Marie said: “Although I led the initiative, it was a true team effort. I was supported throughout by Rachel Driver, and together we worked with Harry Wakefield from the Royal British Legion, who is affectionately known to everyone as ‘Mr Ossett’.”
In 2023, the effort paid off as the Royal British Legion’s official service moved to the morning and was held in the Market Place, around the war memorial.
Anne-Marie said: “It was simply magnificent.”
The morning service also introduced a new tribute, with an audio recording of Ossett children reading the names of all the fallen service members inscribed on the town’s war memorial.
Anne-Marie said: “Hearing the voices of the town's youth honouring the casualties of past generations has made the morning gathering an extraordinarily poignant experience for veterans, families, and the wider community alike.
“Securing this change stands as one of my proudest achievements for our town.”