Crowds gathered at Hull’s Paragon Interchange today (Friday, November 6) for a poignant remembrance service honouring those who served their country and remembering those who departed from the city during wartime. The ceremony took place beside a striking sculpture created by Hull-based artist Andy Pea. Crafted from 2,500 handcrafted poppies, the installation symbolises courage and sacrifice, providing a focal point for remembrance and reflection within the bustling station concourse.
Hull Paragon holds a significant place in the region’s wartime history, with its permanent wooden memorial panels commemorating the 4,531 residents from Hull and the East Riding who passed through the station to serve in the First World War and never returned home.
Attendees included railway personnel, service families, police representatives, and Hull North and Cottingham MP, Dame Diana Johnson, who all gathered to pay their respects alongside the travelling public.
Chris Jackson, managing director of Transpennine Express, said: “It’s been a phenomenal turnout for a really poignant event. We have had strong representation for the railway industry because, of course, railway colleagues have lost their lives in previous conflicts as well as strong representation from the wider families.
“We have had our local MP Diana Johnson as well as the police and many others which has been really nice to see. It’s poignant because we are remembering the sacrifice the people of Hull and East Yorkshire gave in the First World War which is shown on the blue wooden plaques, but also in every conflict as well.
“It’s really important we take this time to remember those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice but also those who are still serving today. The artist Andy Pea has done some great work again involving the local community and this exhibit is going to be here for people to see and give them a moment to reflect over the coming weeks for what is a really important time of the year.”
The order of service featured a reading by local cadet Lucy Robinson alongside fellow cadet Matthew Arpigny, who read ‘A Railway Man at War’ by A J Hall. The gathering observed the Act of Remembrance and Exhortation, followed by the formal lowering of Royal British Legion standards.
Jack Brown, customer service supervisor at Transpennine Express, played The Last Post before the station fell into a solemn two-minute silence. Dignitaries and service representatives then laid commemorative wreaths, before proceedings concluded with a final reflection and blessing.
Remembrance Sunday takes place this Sunday, November 8 at Hull Cenotaph, between Paragon Street and Ferensway. The service begins at 10.55am, with a two-minute silence at 11.00am. A military parade will leave Queen Victoria Square at 10.25am and make its way to the Cenotaph. A number of temporary road closures will be in place with details here.