EREWASH council leader James Dawson makes light work of climbing up a lamppost to attach a poppy – as the Mayor steadies his stepladder.
The iconic Remembrance Day emblem was among 143 put up by a small army of volunteers in Ilkeston ahead of the borough’s annual parades on Sunday 12 November.
The oversized poppies were donated by local businesses. Erewash’s Mayor Councillor Frank Phillips is seen gripping the ladder as James clambers up.
James joked: “It was great teamwork – and that applies to all the volunteers who gave up their morning to help out.”
An official at the Ilkeston Branch of the Royal British Legion said: “We had a wonderful group of branch members and volunteers come together.
“Thank you to everyone involved – we really appreciate your help. And even the sun was out for us.”
Ilkeston’s parade to the Cenotaph on the Market Place will set out from the South Street car park. People are requested to assemble there before 10.25am.
The laying of wreaths will commence at 10.50am. This follows a 10am service at St Mary’s Church, which the Mayor will attend.
In Long Eaton a parade will begin at West Gate, where people should assemble before 10.15am.
The Long Eaton Silver Prize Band will lead a march to the War Memorial outside St Laurence’s Church, which will host a Mass. This begins at 9.30am and will be attended by Deputy Mayor Councillor Kate Fennelly.
Mayor Councillor Phillips said:
“The remembrance services in both Ilkeston and Long Eaton allow everyone to give thanks and respect to our fallen heroes. I am honoured to be able to lay a wreath at the Ilkeston Cenotaph.
“This is such an important day and I look forward to being with so many of you. Lest we forget.”
The commemorations follow Armistice Day services which will be held by the Royal British Legion on Saturday 11 November. These begin at 10.50am.
