Christmas Lights Switch-on Friday 29th November 2024 at 5:30pm

Please come and sing carols with Helmsley Arts Centre Singers and Swinton & District Excelsior Band from 5pm to near 5:30pm, then after the lights are switched on by the Town Crier, Mr David Hinde, the carol singing and band will continue for about quarter of an hour.

Diary date Friday 28th November 2025 - time to be confirmed.

Helmsley Town Crier, Mr David Hinde, will perform the D-Day 80 Proclamation at 2pm on Thurs 6 June from the balcony of Helmsley Town Hall, Helmsley Market Place. He will be followed by the bellringers of the Church of All Saints performing the Ring Out For Peace. Helmsley Town Hall will be flying the official Flag of Peace and Helmsley Community Library are holding an exhibition of wartime life in Helmsley.

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez

Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary
of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France -
an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics
uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces
at the beginning of Operation Overlord.

By the day's end, over one hundred and fifty thousand
Allied troops had successfully stormed
the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches
to achieve a toehold in France.

In the weeks that followed,
the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe
from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy
to the liberation of Paris two months later.

We should all remember and never forget
the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved
and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute
to those who gave so much to secure the freedom
we all enjoy today.

God Save the King

Christian Ashdown
Ex Household Cavalry