How Remembrance was marked

The branch attended a number of parades during the 2023 Remembrance period, including one at Brodie Engineering in Kilmarnock. Owner Gerry Hilferty is a very active member of the branch and members were pleased to support his important parade.

Meanwhile, the branch marked Armistice Day at the main war memorial. This was a simple affair with little pomp, and gave members of the public a chance to fully participate in the event. 

The main parade on Remembrance Sunday in Kilmarnock was fronted, as ever, by the branch. All went well with the Branch Standard and Kings Colours on display; around 30 members took part in the parade, supported by others among the viewing crowd. The piper inside the memorial performed a haunting rendition of Flowers of the Forest and the two-minute silence was as poignant as ever. 

The branch also attended Kilmarnock Football Club’s memorial parade for players who made the ultimate sacrifice, and members took part in a gathering for the fallen masters and pupils of the former Kilmarnock Academy.

 

Making a difference to the community 

In June, members of Kilmarnock branch participated in a Third Sector event to highlight the work they’ve done in supporting fellow veterans. The Council of Voluntary Organisations in East Anglia has funded the branch’s running of the popular Kilmarnock Veterans Breakfast Club, amongst other things. 

As such, members were delighted to talk about what they were doing and explain their good works to Scottish Government officials. In recent times, the branch has supported veterans in moving house and attending trips away, while also providing gift cards to veterans to help with the energy crisis.

 

Comradeship on tour 

Kilmarnock members have also enjoyed several days out in recent times. Over the summer, 30 branch members and their families attended the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Everyone had a great time and there a plans afoot for a return in 2024. 

In the winter months, the branch organised a trip to Beamish, the Living Museum of the North. Heading out in early December, 10 members and families joined the adventure, which also took in the sights of Newcastle and Durham.

 

Best Kept War Memorial awards

The branch was delighted to receive two very highly commended certificates and one winners certificate in the annual Best Kept War Memorial competition. The honoured sites were Galston War Memorial, Kilmarnock World War I Memorial Gardens, and the former Kilmarnock Academy World War I Memorial for the fallen masters and pupils of the school. 

The branch worked very hard – in conjunction with East Ayrshire Council – to get all sites up to a very presentable condition, and thanks goes from the branch to all members who helped and gave their free time.