2026 Remembrance Day

Remembrance Sunday is the second Sunday in November, and marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting in World War I on the Western Front, which went into effect at the "11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" in 1918. An ‘armistice’ is a formal agreement between warring nations or groups to stop fighting for a period of time, usually to allow for peace negotiations. Its meaning expanded after World War II to honour all service men and women who have died in wars and peacekeeping operations worldwide. including WWII, the Falklands War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

At Lyndhurst, in the centre of the New Forest, a service was held in St. Michael & All Angels Church, which had its main entrance doors adorned with a display of poppies.

Before the start, member of Lyndhurst Lodge No. 8012 met at The Forage for a warming drink and some idle gossip.

The various groups and organisations then formed up outside the church before marching together down the High Street, cheered on by a large crowd of onlookers. The participants then gathered at the War Memorial by Boltons Bench to pay their respects to those who have served and fallen in past conflicts.

Masonic wreaths were ceremoniously laid by W. Bro. Peter Wryford from Brockenhurst Lodge No. 7040, W. Bro. Richard Harvey on behalf of Lyndhurst Lodge No. 8012 and W. Bro. ARF on behalf of Forest Villages Lodge No. 9405.

Having long suffered from the Mad Cow, the conclusion of the event seemed somehow appropriate as a particularly aggrieved steer rose to a point of order. Nobody apparently had consulted the bovine before turning its dining room into an events venue. Its contribution was unscheduled, distinctly vocal and delivered with the confidence of someone who owned the place. Which, in fairness, it did. One could only imagine its objection: “A very moving ceremony, ladies and gentlemen, but you’re standing on my lunch. Animals have right of way in the New Forest, of course. This one also appeared to have the final word.