The dark clouds reflected the solemn atmosphere of Remembrance Sunday as the annual parade took place in Ballinamallard on Sunday morning (November 12).

Led by Ballinamallard Accordion Band, the parade set off from the flagpole in Ballinamallard at 11am and included ex-service men, the Girls’ Friendly Society, Ballinamallard Girls’ Brigade and Ballinamallard Scouts.

Umbrellas crowded the streets as numerous onlookers stood out despite the rain to watch the parade as it travelled through the village towards Ballinamallard Methodist Church.

The parade paused in the centre of the village where the Girls’ Friendly Society and Scouts left the parade to attend the Remembrance service in Magheracross Parish Church. The parade then continued to Ballinamallard Methodist Church, where the village’s main Remembrance service was held this year.

The service was led by Rev. John Beacom and included hymns, readings and a performance from the church choir.

Wreaths were laid in the church by the Royal British Legion, the Scouts, Girls’ Friendly Society and Girls’ Brigade and a representative of the church.

During the Act of Remembrance, Major Jimmy Hetherington (retired) read the names from the war memorial, and following the minute’s silence, he recited the Exhortation.

The Last Post and Reveille were sounded by bugler Luke Henderson.

The National Anthem was sang by the congregation at the end of the service.

Meanwhile, in the Church of Ireland, Rev. Alison Irvine led the Remembrance service, with Victor McKenzie leading the Act of Remembrance.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Girls’ Brigade, Girls’ Friendly Society, Royal British Legion, the Scouts and a representative of the church.

After the services, the parade reformed outside the Methodist Church and travelled back through the town to the flagpole, where the gathering concluded with the National Anthem.