CLAIMS the mayor of Rhyl spoke during the time the two-minute silence is traditionally held on Remembrance Sunday has sparked anger and upset.

It is alleged that during the Remembrance Sunday Service in Rhyl, the mayor, cllr Diane King, made a speech at the Garden of Remembrance that ran into the two-minute silence which is traditionally observed at 11am.

It is understood this was due to events running behind slightly later than scheduled. 

Richard Kendrick, Poppy Appeal fundraiser in Rhyl for the Royal British Legion, told the Journal: "The parade was late. A lot of people didn't get to the gardens for 11am. Upon entering the gardens, the mayor waited and then walked up to the memorial and gave her speech about how her family had served. The real speech should have been how good it was that everyone is back after Covid and that it is so sad that we have lost so many more veterans due to Covid. She read it during the silence, while we could all hear Big Ben chime.

"The mayor spoke from about 10.59am. We had the silence about 11.02am. As the speech ran into the silence, everything then had to be done after 11.02am. The silence was about 11.02am or 11.03am and not 11am. Some won't notice but the lads did.

"I'd like to say thank you to Reverend Chris [Spencer] who tried to keep things going.

"I went to lay a wreath but couldn't stop crying as I feel like I've let people down.

"There were children playing in the gardens between the ponds. Nobody stopped them.

"I am shocked the two minute silence was broken. I feel it was very disrespectful. The speech should have been done after the silence. Maybe the mayor didn't realise."

One resident, who attended the service at the Garden of Remembrance in Rhyl, said: "The Remembrance service was a farce. Councillor King, mayor of Rhyl, did her speech in the two minute silence. The march / parade was late so most couldn't get into the gardens for 11am.

"There was so much upset.

"Richard was made not to feel welcome but he has ran it perfectly for many years."

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Another resident said they felt there was "no one taking charge" and "the band wasn't there to lead". 

However, one resident disputed claims the silence had been broken. 

He said: "I was there. It was a bit rushed getting everyone in the gardens but the mayor didn't interrupt the silence.

"As for the children playing, it was a three-year-old and their father had medal(s) on."

Rhyl Town Council said they are aware of a number of comments, both "positive and negative", following the annual service of Remembrance.

A spokesperson added: "This year saw a significant number of participants in the town’s Remembrance Sunday Parade which took time to form up safely prior to preceding to the Garden of Remembrance which did have an impact on the timings.

"Every effort is made to strive to keep to the running order and timings at the Garden."

"Unfortunately, due to time constraints the mayor’s full speech had to be shortened if time had permitted, the mayor would have liked to have had the opportunity to provide a more extensive address.

"Regrettably a couple of children were playing on the grassed area and were advised to refrain from doing so in a discreet manner in order not to detract from the Remembrance Service. It is unfortunate that the children had not be made aware of the importance of the day.

"The town council appreciates the assistance of all those involved in organising the Annual Remembrance Sunday Service and wishes to thank all those who attend to show their respects."

Cllr King said: "As mayor of Rhyl I attach notable importance to do my best for the people of Rhyl on all occasions and particularly such a poignant day as Remembrance Sunday.

"I have the utmost respect for the significance of the day and all those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice whether through conflict or subsequent causes."