New Royal British Legion Standard Dedicated in Harleston Ahead of Remembrance Sunday
In a moving ceremony held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, the Harleston and District Branch of the Royal British Legion received a new Standard to replace the one destroyed in the accidental fire that severely damaged St John’s Church in September. The dedication service comes just in time for this year’s Remembrance Sunday events, providing the community with an important symbol of continuity and respect despite the recent tragedy. The ceremony marks a poignant moment of renewal for a community still recovering from the loss of their historic church building but determined to uphold traditions of remembrance and honor.
The new Standard was dedicated by Reverend Sally Theakston, Chaplain to the Bishop of Norwich, whose connection to military service adds special significance to the occasion. With over two decades of service in the Diocese of Norwich, Reverend Theakston brings unique perspective as the first woman Anglican chaplain to serve in the Royal Navy. During the dedication, she eloquently explained the rich symbolism embodied in the Standard: “The Standard is a constant symbolic reminder to members of the Legion’s motto ‘Service not self.’ The crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick symbolise unity, chivalry and our loyalty to our Sovereign, community and nation. The blue indicates loyalty and fidelity and the gold signifies service ‘as gold is tried by fire’ and reminds us of all those who gave their lives for our country.” This explanation highlights how these ceremonial objects carry deep meaning beyond their physical presence, connecting present-day commemorations to a long tradition of remembrance.
The timing of the dedication is particularly meaningful as it comes just days before Remembrance Sunday, scheduled for November 9th. The Standard serves as both a practical replacement for the one lost in the fire and a powerful symbol of resilience for the Harleston community. Standards hold special significance within the Royal British Legion tradition – they are formally dedicated before being put into service and later “laid-up” in sacred or public buildings when their period of active use concludes. This cycle of dedication, service, and respectful retirement mirrors the values of duty and honor that the Legion itself embodies, creating a tangible connection between the organization’s principles and its ceremonial practices that spans generations of service members and their families.
Despite the challenges posed by the fire damage to St John’s Church, Harleston’s Remembrance Sunday events will proceed with adaptations that demonstrate the community’s determination and flexibility. The Town Council and the Harleston and District Branch of the Royal British Legion have extended a warm invitation to all community members to participate in the day’s events. The traditional parade will begin at 10:30 am from the Market Place, maintaining an important public demonstration of respect and remembrance. Following the parade, attendees will gather at the War Memorial for the customary service, preserving this critical element of the Remembrance Sunday traditions despite the circumstances. The community’s commitment to maintaining these rituals despite obstacles speaks volumes about the importance placed on honoring those who served and sacrificed.
With St John’s Church unavailable due to fire damage, the main Service of Remembrance will be held at London Road Methodist Church, beginning at 11:30 am immediately after the War Memorial service. This adaptation demonstrates the ecumenical spirit of cooperation that often emerges in times of community need, with one congregation opening its doors to ensure important traditions can continue uninterrupted. The service will be led by Royal British Legion Branch Padre John Taylor and is open to all community members, regardless of religious affiliation or background. This inclusivity reflects the broader spirit of Remembrance Sunday as an occasion that transcends individual differences to unite people in collective remembrance and gratitude for sacrifices made in service to the nation.
The dedication of the new Standard and the adapted Remembrance Sunday arrangements exemplify how communities preserve important traditions even in the face of unexpected challenges. The accidental fire that damaged St John’s Church in September could have disrupted these significant commemorations, but instead, the community has rallied to ensure continuity. The new Standard will now take its place in the Remembrance Sunday parade and service, carrying forward the solemn duty of representing the sacrifices of service members past and present. As Harleston residents gather on November 9th, first at the Market Place, then at the War Memorial, and finally at London Road Methodist Church, they will demonstrate that while buildings may be damaged, the spirit of remembrance and community solidarity remains undiminished. The new Standard, dedicated just in time for these observances, stands as a powerful symbol of this enduring commitment.
