A parade and service on Sunday formed the Saundersfoot Remembers Event, organised by Saundersfoot Community Council, to commemorate VJ Day and the end of World War II.

The service was originally to take place on the Old Coal House lawn, but due to the appalling weather conditions, the lawn and garden area were waterlogged and so the venue was changed to the Regency Hall.

The community council, however, were determined that the parade should continue whatever the conditions in tribute to those who had fought in both Europe and the Far East and the terrible conditions they had endured. Just before the parade was due to start, the rain stopped, much to the relief of everyone marching.

The parade was led by Mr. Graham Phillips, secretary of the Tenby branch of the Royal British Legion, who played the bagpipes magnificently. Parade marshall Mr. Mick Kieron kept everyone in step. There were 12 standards on parade who, along with, chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Wynne Evans, chairman of Saundersfoot Community Council, Clr. Phil Baker, Saundersfoot community councillors and veterans of both Normandy and Kohima marched through Saundersfoot to the Regency Hall, to the delight of holidaymakers and residents alike.

At the Regency Hall, a service of commemoration and thanksgiving was led by Canon Rev. Michael Butler, who was assisted by Pastor Craig Gove.

The Kohima Epitaph and Collect for the Burma Star was read by veteran of that conflict, Mr. Duncan Hilling, who in his 90s also marched in the parade. Normandy veteran Mr. Gordon Prime, now in his 90s, joined the parade in a vintage Jeep.

Chairman of Saundersfoot Community Council, Phil Baker, said: “I have never been so proud to be a Saundersfoot community councillor. The piper was fantastic, as was the second world war Jeep and people clapping the veterans as we marched along The Strand, but this was only the prelude to a very moving, dignified and perfect service at the Regency Hall. I was pleased that the chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council joined us again. Canon Butler and Pastor Gove gave exactly the right level of prayer and wartime recollections, while Mr. Duncan Hilling, the parade marshall, standard bearers and veterans added the heart to the whole occasion. I would like to thank all the other marchers, members of our sub-committee and Sue and Neville Boughton-Thomas for stepping in with the Regency Hall, which saved the day.”

Added chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Wynne Evans: “I would like to congratulate the organisers, the community council. It was an excellent commemorative day and service. It was a pleasure to attend and especially talk to veterans following the service and also see the wonderful display of standards, a humbling event.”

Pics. Gareth Davies Photography