10 Nov 2025
The city of St Albans, and towns and villages further afield, fell silent at 11am on Sunday, as residents, dignitaries, faith leaders and representatives of the armed forces and community groups remembered those who had died in conflicts spanning more than a century.
Following a parade through the city centre, the Remembrance Sunday service in St Albans was led by the Revd Mark Dearnley, vicar of St Peter’s, who was joined by Rabbi Daniel Sturgess from St Albans United Synagogue, Rev Brendan Day from SS Alban and Stephen, and the President of The St Albans Islamic Cenre, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Akhtar Zaman.
Wreaths were laid by various people including St Albans MP Daisy Cooper, St Albans Mayor Cllr Teresa Heritage, and representatives from the likes of the Salvation Army, the Burma Star Association, Herts Constabulary, St Albans Chamber of Commerce and Scouts and Guides.
Members of the St Albans Women’s Interfaith Group, Syeda M Rahim, Jenny Taylor and Ann Scorer, read a poem by 13-year-old Areej Essam alongside readings from The Bible, the Hebrew Scriptures and the Quran.
The poem said: “What if peace was a pandemic? Where everyone came close to everyone to spread love? What if peace was education itself? Where we learned to make everyone happy? We need peace, we have to spread peace, with peace we are happy, we are calm, we are smiling. With peace, we can get through any conflict. With peace, no bad dreams, no hatred. Together, in one group, holding each other’s hands, let’s build peace, let’s make peace.”
Similar parades and services took place elsewhere in the district, including Harpenden and London Colney.
St Albans photos: Matt Adams; Harpenden: Steve Collins; London Colney: John Andrews. More images in this week’s issue.
