Dudley preparing to fall silent for fallen heroes

Dudley borough is preparing to pay tribute to its fallen heroes next month, when the country marks Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

A striking cascade of hand-crafted poppies, created by the Dudley Remembers Group, will be on display at Dudley Council House from the beginning of November, offering a poignant visual tribute.

The Mayor of Dudley Councillor Pete Lees will speak on Sunday 9 November at the Remembrance Day service, which is taking place at the cenotaph in Ednam Road at 10.45am.

Current and ex-service men and women, along with families of the fallen and community groups, will parade from Vicar Street at approximately 10.20am, and move along High Street, Stone Street, Priory Street, Priory Road and end in Ednam Road by the cenotaph. 

The event will be transmitted live by Black Country Radio from 10am on FM, DAB and online.

On Tuesday 11 November veterans will join the Mayor of Dudley, council staff, councillors and members of the public at the First World War Clock Tower Memorial in Priory Street for the annual Armistice Day.

The service, which marks the end of the First World War, starts at 10.55am and includes the laying of wreaths and a two-minute silence.

Residents are also invited to pay their respects by placing a poppy in the Cross of Remembrance in Dudley Market Place. The cross will be in place from Friday 24 October to Monday 24 November, with personal tributes welcome. 

Councillor Pete Lee, Mayor of Dudley, said “Remembrance Sunday gives the people of Dudley the opportunity to honour all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and this borough.

“It is a time to reflect, give thanks, and pay tribute to everyone who serves or has served in the armed forces, and I encourage everyone in the community to join us in remembrance.

“As part of the commemorations, a beautiful cascade of poppies, which have been crafted by volunteers from the Dudley Remembers Group, will flow from the first floor of the Council House.”

To ensure the safety and smooth running of the Dudley town centre Remembrance Sunday event, several road closures will be in place. This includes Priory Road, Ednam Road, New Street, Tower Street, Priory Street, Stone Street, St James’s Road, Parsons Street, Market Place, High Street, Wolverhampton Street, Union Street, and Vicar Street.

Community-organised parades, organised independently from Dudley Council, will also take place across the borough and people are encouraged to check their local details in advance. 

People are advised to allow additional travel time throughout the borough on Remembrance Sunday due to road closures and diversions and are reminded that in some areas such as Mary Stevens Park, parking arrangements may be altered to accommodate safety measures. Those with accessibility needs, who require parking, are encouraged to check with local organisers in advance.

Priory Street will be closed on the morning of Armistice Day from 10.30am to 11.30am, with alternative routes clearly signposted.