Friends of Greengates Cenotaph has success with band appeal

Back in April, the T&A reported that members of the Friends of Greengates Cenotaph were left saddened when the City of Bradford Pipe Band regretfully confirmed it could not perform at this year's event due to a lack of new recruits. 

The Friends of Greengates Cenotaph sounded an appeal for another band to come forward - and Bradford Air Cadets did just that.

Mike Frazer, secretary of the Friends of Greengates Cenotaph, said: "Our group organised and funded the City of Bradford Pipe Band to attend the Remembrance Sunday commemoration at Greengates Cenotaph in 2022 and 2023, but unfortunately they advised me that because of recruitment issues they could not attend this year. 

"This was a huge disappointment for us because residents from Greengates and Apperley and surrounding areas attended in large numbers to see the band.

"I searched for a replacement band for months without success - and we were very grateful that the T&A covered our appeal in April.

"After this, I was approached by an officer at Bradford Air Cadets who had seen the article and I am delighted that the Air Cadets band has agreed to play at this year's Remembrance Sunday ceremony and lead the church parade to Greengates cenotaph."

He added: "Without the involvement of the T&A, our group would not have secured a band for the Remembrance Sunday commemoration at Greengates Cenotaph. 

"I think this emphasises the importance of a trusted local newspaper covering Bradford and district local news.

"Many thanks T&A for the continued support for our community."

Members of the Friends of Greengates Cenotaph are happy to have found a band for this year's Remembrance Sunday commemoration (Image: Submitted)

Warrant Officer Daniel Rouse, Officer Commanding of 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, added: "The preservation of Remembrance services is vital to our community's heritage.

"When I saw the appeal in the T&A, I knew we had to step up. 

"It's our duty to honour the fallen and represent the RAF, the Air Cadets and the people of Bradford. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our band to serve the Greengates community while also still supporting the Bradford city centre service and parade."

A spokesperson for the City of Bradford Pipe Band said members were "extremely disappointed" they could not play at this year's commemoration and said they had been forced to turn down other engagements due to a lack of players.