Autumn Colours in Ipswich parks

Today's aim was `Autumn Colours` and a visit to Christchurch Park was our first port of call.  We were blessed with some sunshine, which we had feared would not arrive. So we managed to take a few images, which hopefully tell the story of the Autumn scene.

As you enter the park, one of the first areas you come across is the large pond, and this is where these first three images were taken - complete with Armistice Day wreaths around the perimeter fence. The small high level cloud adding to the image I felt.

Then a couple taken elsewhere around the park.

Individual leaves looking beautiful in the morning light. With the image below taken as we exited one of the pathways, giving a tunnel effect.

These next few images were taken in Holywell Park, another of the beautiful Ipswich parks.

Holywell park also has a pond and it was covered in algae in which this Coot sat! 

Another wider image of the pond.

Then, just to compare the pond in other years, an image I took two years ago of roughly the same position. This time - real water!

So, a lovely few hours out amidst the autumn colours. Enough to lift anyone's spirits, I would have thought.

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Armistice with Ipswich schools - Christchurch Park

Yesterday was the day of national observance of Armistice Day. This is when we, and people around the world, take part in a two-minute silence to remember those who gave their life for their country.

This year marks the 106th anniversary of the end of World War I. On the 11 November 1918, fighting was suspended on the Western Front, so Germany and the Allies could reach a peace agreement, and the guns fell silent at 11am.

It's known as Armistice Day and that's why the period of silence takes place each year at 11 o'clock, on the 11th day of the 11th month.

We had gone to visit Christchurch Park to see the Autumn colours, but had not realised that groups from local schools were gathering to celebrate Armistice Day at the local War Memorial.

This is my record of the poignant ceremony

The officials and the groups of young people start to gather around.

The ceremony gets under way.

The lowering of the flags - a tradition which has come to symbolize mourning, respect, and tribute.

The deputy Mayor lays a wreath

The young people start to lay their wreaths

The Revd Sarah Geileskey, Priest in Charge of St Margaret`s Church, addresses the congregation

The young people start to lay their tokens, made earlier at school.

Albeit we came across the ceremony by accident, it was a privilege to take part, although at a distance. 

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