GRIMETHORPE’S 100th annual Remembrance Sunday parade will go ahead – despite setbacks being encountered along the way due to a club’s closure.
Every year, the Royal British Legion’s organised march begins at The Bullet, a club on Brierley Road, but it closed earlier this year.
However, sponsorship from local businesses, support from communities and schools, and commitment by the local RBL branch have ensured the march will continue.
As planned, the centenary parade will begin tomorrow outside the now-closed club at 9.15am.
A march – led by the world-famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band – will then make its way to St Luke the Evangelist Church.
The service will begin at 9.35am and conclude at 10.45am at the war memorial outside.
After the laying of the wreaths a two-minute moment of silence will commence before The Last Post, before the parade return to The Bullet.
An estimated 1,000 people are expected to attend, as well as Barnsley East MP Stephanie Peacock, the Barnsley Sea Cadets and a deputy Lord-Lieutenant.
Between 9.15am and 9.45am, then 10.30am and 11.30am, Brierley Road, Cemetery Road, High Street, Kingsway and St Luke’s Road will be closed.
Lead organiser Ian Bennett has been co-ordinating everything from his home – despite health problems – and also being responsible for five other memorial events.
He said: “It would be nice for the community to take part in the march which has been going on for 100 years.
“Anybody can come to the parade.
“It took months just to get the key to The Bullet from the landlord, where the book of remembrance was still inside.
“But I am thankful for the support, including from the schools who have been fantastic.
“The Bruce Dyer Love Life Sportsground will allow people to park for a short time and will serve free food and drink.
“Grimethorpe Working Men’s Club have agreed to host the after-event this year due to The Bullet’s closure.
“A short concert will be given there by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Grimethorpe and District Brass Band.”
