The man who has been responsible for organising and leading Stone’s Remembrance Sunday parade for the last 28 years took part in his final one today.
Dave Cumming moved to Stone in the mid-1980s after 30 years in the Army, ending his career as a company sergeant major. After joining the local Royal British Legion, he was asked to be the parade marshall in 1987 – and has been in charge ever since.
As well as organisational duties, Dave leads the parade and calls individuals and organisations to lay their wreaths at the memorial in Granville Square.
Town mayor Cllr Cathy Collier paid tribute to Dave as she addressed the crowds in Market Square following the church service at St Michael’s Church. Stone Scout and Guide Band, which had led the parade back up the High Street after the church service, then played ‘For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow’.
A surprise to Dave, he shouted: “I was expecting the National Anthem!”
After God Save The Queen, Dave – who is in his mid-70s – dismissed the parade for the final time before being joined by friends, family and a host of well-wishers.
Dave said: “You’ve got to pass the baton to someone else at some point. This year is a good one to go out on, with the centenary of the start of the First World War. And it was so well attended today.
“At the first parade I organised, there were about 20 wreaths and about 200 people in attendance. There were a lot more people than that here today, and so many wreaths at the memorial. When I took the job on, I said that I really wanted to make it better.
“What’s been amazing is that we’ve never had a wet parade in all the years I’ve been parade marshall. It’s always bright and sunny.”
Dave’s proud daughters Donna Borgman and Deb Taylor both spoke of how proud they are of their dad – as we’re sure everyone in Stone is. Thanks for everything Dave – and all the best for the future.
Click HERE to see more photos from the Remembrance Sunday service and parade
