When Officials Failed, the People of Formby Remembered but huge Disbelief as Formby Becomes the Only Town Without a Remembrance Service

Formby Bubble
3 days ago
2 min read

Heartbreak and Disbelief as Formby Misses Out on Remembrance Sunday today.

Many residents across Formby have been left shocked, saddened and frankly heartbroken that our village was the only place without an official Remembrance Sunday service at 11am. While towns and villages across the country came together to honour the fallen with respect, dignity and silence, Formby stood still — with no service, no march, and no official act of remembrance at our war memorial.

The 3pm service at Holy Trinity Church was meant to be followed by the traditional Remembrance Parade through the village — a proud event that our community looks forward to every single year. It’s especially meaningful for our young people — the RAF cadets, Army cadets, Scouts, Guides and Brownies — who spend weeks preparing and practising to take part and pay tribute to those who gave everything for our freedom.

But this year, the parade was cancelled because of the rain. It’s hard to put into words just how wrong that feels. Our soldiers didn’t stop fighting because it rained — they fought through mud, blood and freezing conditions so that we could live free. To cancel our show of respect due to bad weather is an insult to their sacrifice.

Yet even in disappointment, the true heart of Formby shone through. A huge thank you goes to local resident Tina Morris, who took it upon herself to invite people to gather at the Formby Cenotaph at 11am.

Despite the pouring rain, there was an incredible turnout of residents who stood together in silence to pay their respects — proving that the people of Formby will always remember, even when the official arrangements fall short.

Tina said afterwards: “I was so honoured to see so many people turn up at the Cenotaph, in the pouring rain. We had Formby Fire Station and so many veterans with medals galore. The queue went right down the street.”

“I would like to thank them all from the bottom of my heart for turning out in such high numbers. Veterans, children, pensioners, the public and don’t forget the pets — it was a proper family affair.”

Her words capture what this day should be about — unity, pride and respect.

We are now calling on Formby Parish Council to ensure that next year, Formby has a proper ceremony at 11am on Remembrance Sunday — at our Cenotaph, with full participation from our veterans, youth groups and local organisations — followed by the traditional march through the village. It must never happen again that Formby is left without a service when the rest of the nation stands together to remember.

Our fallen heroes deserve nothing less. Formby deserves better.