Remembering them ….

Waipā parks staff timed the flowering of poppies and other flowers in front of the Cenotaph to perfection for Armistice Day commemorations Sunday 13 November

Only the hardy turned up to mark Armistice Day at 11am on Friday November 11 in Cambridge as driving rain meant any attempts for a long ceremony were set aside.

But two days later, at the Civic ceremony outside Cambridge Town Hall and in front of the Cenotaph, a healthier number battled the bright sun to honour those who fell in the Great War.

Led by new Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley and RSA president Tony Hill on both days, the ceremonies had a poignant touch to them due to the work of the council’s parks team.

While more turn up for Anzac Day commemorations in April, Armistice Day in Cambridge is always well marked because of the town’s sister city relationship with Le Quesnoy in France.

The town was liberated by New Zealand troops a week before Armistice Day. Photos by Mary Anne Gill.

Cambridge Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley and RSA president Tony Hill battle the pouring rain to lay wreaths at 11am on 11 November, Armistice Day itself.

Cambridge Brass Band musical director Rob Hocking plays the Last Post on the steps of the Town Hall on Armistice Day.

The official Armistice Day remembrance ceremony was held on Sunday. Board chair Jo Davies-Colley and RSA president Tony Hill lay their wreaths while mayor Susan O’Regan waits to lay one on behalf of Waipā District Council.

Waipā parks staff timed the flowering of poppies and other flowers in front of the Cenotaph to perfection for Armistice Day remembrance on Sunday.