‘They Shall Not Grow Old’: Havering Unites to Remember the Fallen on Remembrance Sunday

8th November 20269th November 2026 The Havering Daily 0 Comments Havering, Remembrance Sunday, Service, Wreaths min read

Residents from across Havering came together on Sunday to honour the fallen and pay tribute to all those who have served, and continue to serve, our country, as communities marked Remembrance Sunday with moving services, two-minute silences and the laying of wreaths.

From Romford to Rainham, Hornchurch to Harold Hill, people gathered at war memorials and churches across the borough to remember the courage, sacrifice and service of generations who have defended our freedom.

As the nation fell silent for the two-minute silence, wreaths were laid by elected representatives, members of the armed forces community, the civilian services and local organisations. Special prayers were offered, while moving parades and services brought communities together in a shared moment of remembrance.

At Coronation Gardens in Romford, Havering’s Mayor, Councillor Maggie Themastoclis, led the Mayoral party in paying tribute and laying a wreath.

She was joined by Havering Council Leader Councillor Keith Prince, Romford MP Andrew Rosindell and Deputy Lieutenant Nick Bracken OBE.

Jane Keane also laid a wreath on behalf of the local Labour Party, while representatives from the local police joined those gathered to remember the fallen.

In Hornchurch, Deputy Mayor Councillor Vickery laid a wreath at the war memorial outside St Andrew’s Church.

In Rainham, Dagenham and Rainham MP Margaret Mullane joined residents and representatives to lay a wreath and pay her respects.

Across the borough, local councillors also attended services and laid wreaths at memorials in their respective wards, ensuring that communities throughout Havering had the opportunity to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Havering Police were represented at services across the borough, with Inspector Charlie Routley attending in Harold Hill and Inspector Harris in Romford.

The parades and services were deeply moving, providing an opportunity for veterans, serving personnel, families and residents of all ages to stand together in gratitude and remembrance.

For many, the day was also a chance to remember the personal stories behind the names carved into memorials: fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends whose lives were lost in conflicts past and present.

The words of First World War poet Laurence Binyon, written in 1914 in his poem For the Fallen, remain among the most powerful words of remembrance:

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.”

As the wreaths were laid and the last prayers were said, Havering stood united in remembrance, honouring the fallen, recognising those who continue to serve and ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten.