The Royal British Legion’s Muswell Hill and Highgate branch held its biggest Remembrance parade yet.

More than 100 supporters from all faiths then packed this year’s service in the Muswell Hill Remembrance Garden on November 4.

The branch holds its parade every year a week ahead of Remembrance Sunday to allow those in the Armed Forces to attend with their families and still be able to march at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on the day itself.

“It is important to remember the sacrifices made for us by so many,” British Legion branch chairman Timothy Peters said.

“There was so much community involvement this year helping us do just that — to remember the fallen.” 

The parade began with the legion’s standard bearer Bill Strachan, accompanied by two cadets from the 212 Detachment, laying a wreath on the memorial in Muswell Hill Broadway for PC Keith Blakelock, the police officer killed during a riot at Tottenham’s Broadwater Farm housing estate in 1985.

Others taking part in the parade included musicians from Brass Band London providing the drum beat, British Legion veterans, cadets, the London Fire Brigade and vintage Lambretta motor-scooter club members, who take part in Ride To Remember events.

The parade to the British Legion’s north London HQ in Muswell Hill Road was accompanied by the Metropolitan Police.

The Memorial Garden service was led by the Rev Nicholas Pnematicatos, along with leaders from north London’s Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith communities. Blessings were read by Edward Miller and Phil Styles from Muswell Hill Synagogue and by Imam Abdul Kadir and Bibi Rabbiyah Khan from Wightman Road Mosque. Hymns were performed by the North London Voices choir.

Other VIPs included Mayor of Barnet Sue Jameson, Hornsey and Friern Barnet MP Catherine West, Haringey Deputy Lieutenant Capt Peter Baker and Haringey councillors Cathy Brennan and Sheila Peacock, as well as the Pearly King and Prince of Highgate Terry and Conor Scott.

Remembrance Sunday itself marks the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when the guns fell silent “to end the war to end all wars”.