Newcastle pays solemn tribute

Newcastle pays solemn tribute

12 November 2025

NEWCASTLE observed its annual act of remembrance on Sunday morning.

The town centre fell silent for the short commemoration and laying of wreaths at the war memorial in Central Promenade.

The Lord Lieutenant of County Down was represented by Mrs Catherine Haughian, Deputy Lieutenant.

She was welcomed by the parade commander, Mr Deon McNeilly, from the Newcastle Royal British Legion branch, before the parade was brought to attention.

Shortly before 11am The Last Post was sounded and the various standards were lowered.

Mr McNeilly recited Binyon’s Lines, after which two minutes’ silence were observed.

Following Reveille Mr McNeilly also recited the Kohima Epitaph – “When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today.”

The first wreath was laid by Mrs Haughian, who was followed by representatives from a number of organisations.

The Royal British Legion wreath was laid by Mr Kingsley Singer.

Other wreaths were laid on behalf of the PSNI, NI Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI, Coastguard, RUC Widows Association, Somme Association, Royal County Down Golf Club, the Loyal Orders and other organisations.

Wreaths were also laid on behalf of Newcastle Scouts, the Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Brigade, Newcastle Primary School and Shimna Integrated College.

Representatives from the DUP, UUP and Alliance Party also laid wreaths.

At the conclusion of the wreath laying ceremony, the parade came to attention for the national anthem, after which the parade was formally dismissed.