Southwater One lights up as Telford and Wrekin comes together to remember
Southwater One will be illuminated for Remembrance as a mark of respect, as communities across Telford and Wrekin come together to remember the courage, service and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel.
The landmark building will be lit from sunset on Friday 6 November for Remembrance through to Armistice Day, providing a visible tribute at the heart of Telford town centre.
The illumination forms part of a wider programme of Remembrance activity taking place across the Borough, including civic events hosted by Telford & Wrekin Council and services, parades and acts of remembrance organised by Town and Parish Councils, churches and local organisations.
Telford and Wrekin has strong and proud connections with the Armed Forces community, and Remembrance provides an opportunity to honour those who have served, those serving today and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Throughout the year, the Council also cares for war memorials across the Borough to ensure they remain fitting tributes for future generations. Ahead of this year's commemorations, Council teams have been carrying out sensitive maintenance work at memorial sites.
The Council's first civic event will be the Mayor's Festival of Remembrance at St George's Church on Sunday 8 November. Beginning at 7pm, the event will bring residents together for an evening of reflection, music and remembrance.
On Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November, the Council's annual Wreath Laying Service will take place at the Town Park War Memorial from 10.30am, with the national two-minute silence observed at 11am. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Council's Facebook page for residents unable to attend in person.
Across the Borough, local communities will also be holding their own commemorations. Services and parades are planned in communities including Dawley, Madeley, Newport, Oakengates, Wellington, Lawley, Donnington, Muxton, Aqueduct, Edgmond, Waters Upton and Kynnersley, alongside further events around Armistice Day.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:
"Lighting Southwater One is a simple but powerful way for us to show our respect and to remember the courage, service and sacrifice of all those who have served in our Armed Forces.
"Here in Telford and Wrekin, we have strong and proud connections with our Armed Forces community. Remembrance is an opportunity for all of us to pause, reflect and honour those who served in past conflicts, those serving today and, above all, those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"The light-up will sit alongside services, parades and commemorations happening right across our Borough. Whether people attend a large civic event or gather at their local war memorial, every act of remembrance helps ensure their service, sacrifice and legacy are never forgotten."
Residents can find a full list of Remembrance events taking place across the Borough at http://www.telford.gov.uk/twremembers