THE borough of Basingstoke and Deane fell silent for two minutes on Sunday as communities paid their respects to those who lost their lives in the First and Second World War.

In Basingstoke town centre the annual mayor’s Remembrance Sunday Service was held at the War Memorial Park, with the ceremony being led by the mayor’s chaplain Arthur Botham.

The service saw a parade of uniformed service personnel proceed from Caston’s car park to the War Memorial on the Civic Campus via New Road before the two minutes silence was observed.

Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Jane Frankum then led the laying of the wreaths, placing one on behalf of the borough, followed by wreaths laid by representatives of other organisations, as well as after the event with anyone wanting to place their own individual tribute on the memorial.

Cllr Frankum said: “One of my proudest moments in my life was taking the salute today. My father would have been so proud as a old soldier of 28 years.

“It is so important that we remember the sacrifices made by all our armed forces in order that future generations are able to live in peace and freedom.”

Elsewhere in the borough, residents in Whitchurch joined its largest Remembrance Sunday gathering for many years.

Uniformed organisations of Whitchurch marched in procession with members of the Royal British Legion to All Hallows Church, in Church Street, for the Remembrance ceremonies.

Speaking to a packed church, Rev Kelvin Inglis reminded the congregation of the value and beauty of ordinary life.

In Tadley there was a uniformed parade of former and current service personnel marching to St Paul’s Church in The Green.

In Odiham, the home of the RAF Chinook force, residents lined the streets to see a uniformed procession. Chairman of Odiham Parish Council, Cllr John Hale said: “It was an honour.”