BRADFORD remembered its fallen today as smaller services were held across the district.

The usual Remembrance Sunday services and parades were cancelled this year due to the pandemic, with dignitaries instead laying wreaths at cenotaphs across the Bradford district.

Council officials, including Bradford leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe and the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Doreen Lee, left wreaths at the Bradford city centre cenotaph, the usual The district’s main service of remembrance moved from the city centre to a live streaming from Bradford Cathedral.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Painted story stones by Bingley Brownies at the Bingley CenotaphPainted story stones by Bingley Brownies at the Bingley Cenotaph

The Dean of Bradford, the Very Reverend Jerry Lepine and the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Nick Baines, led this morning’s service at the Cathedral, which included prayers, readings and the playing of the Last Post and the National Anthem.

During his address, the Dean of Bradford acknowledged the different venue for this year’s service. He said: “We reach out to those in our hospitals. You are in our thoughts and prayers “We can imagine each other present and use this time to honour the sacrifice of the past and pray for peace today.”

The names of those listed at Bradford Cathedral who died during the First World War were read out in a poignant moment.

A two minutes’ silence was held at 11am to remember those who have fallen.

Small socially distanced services were held across the Bradford district including police officers laying wreaths in Queensbury and Greengates.

Residents across the district were also urged to hold a two minutes’ silence at 11am on their doorsteps.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Cllr. John Pennington laying a wreath on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Bradford at Bingley Cenotaph Cllr. John Pennington laying a wreath on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Bradford at Bingley Cenotaph

Meanwhile, Cllr John Pennington says the commemorations in Bingley show the town’s ‘community solidarity’.

He said: “Attendance at the Bingley Cenotaph on Remembrance Day has steadily increased over the last few years gratifyingly with many more young people observing a one-minute silence. It is a stirring lesson in community solidarity.

“In an extraordinary year no amount of challenges should prevent us all from pausing to give thanks to those you have made the ultimate sacrifice to save our country.

“Bingley is well served by The Royal British Legion who work to provide us all with a moment to repay a debt to lost ones and by so doing work towards a more peaceful future.”

Meanwhile, Darren Sheehan has been raising funds today by selling poppies outside the front of his house in Thornton.

Mr Sheehan has marked Remembrance Sunday by selling poppies to passers-by, raising around £50 for the Royal British Legion. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Darren Sheehan has been selling poppies outside his house in Thornton today Darren Sheehan has been selling poppies outside his house in Thornton today

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Lord Mayor’s message cardThe Lord Mayor’s message card