On Wednesday 28th January 2026 the Chairman of Bedworth Armistice Group Mr Kenneth Whitehead was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough in recognition of his distinguished service to Nuneaton and Bedworth, and that his name be enrolled on the Freeman’s roll.
Mr Kenneth Whitehead was accompanied by his wife Mrs Sandra Whitehead. The award was presented by the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Cllr Bhim Saru.
As many of you will know, the Bedworth Armistice Day Parade has been nominated for recognition on the UNESCO Living Heritage list — an honour that celebrates traditions kept alive by the communities who create, maintain and pass them onTo be successful, UNESCO requires clear evidence that the tradition is recognised, valued and supported by the community itself. In their words:“Living heritage should be recognised as such by the communities, groups or individuals that create, maintain and transmit it… the community must give its free, prior and informed consent for the living heritage to be submitted.”We already receive practical support from local organisations, pubs, clubs, retailers, benefactors and others, including the Fusiliers Association. Bedworth has always been the town that never forgets. Now we have the opportunity to show the world that this tradition is cherished not just in history, but in the hearts of the people who keep it alive today.We’re asking our community a simple question:
Do you support Bedworth Armistice Day Parade being put forward for UNESCO Living Heritage recognition?
Please take a moment to show your support by going to our Facebook page ( Bedworth Armistice Day Parade) and voting in our poll. Your voice genuinely matters — this nomination can only move forward with the support of the community it represents.
Thank you for helping us protect and celebrate Bedworth’s living heritage.
The Armistice Committee would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, lets make 2026 bigger and better than 2025.
Steve Hyde, Security Manager, informed the committee that he is stepping down arising from health issues and thanked the committee for asking him to carry out the important security function. He was thanked for his service and wished well for his difficult journey ahead. He also added that health permitting, he will be joining in the Parade in 2026, we all look forward to seeing him there.
Reverand David Poutney has advised that he is stepping back as a committee member but will continue to support the committee whenever necessary. Ken Whitehed, Chair is seen here thanking David for his support. David will still be the Schools Liaison Officer.
Chair Ken Whitehead advised of the resignation of Eric Whitehead as a Director of BADPG Ltd after many years service. He was thanked for his prodigious service and will be nominated to become a Vice President at the 2026 AGM. With Eric is his wife Dot who is a life member.
A big thank you to the Bedworth Saints Scooter Club. They held their annual Christmas Party at Bedworth Ex Service Club on Saturday 29th November 2025 and raised £400 for the Armistice Group. A good night was had by all. Already looking forward to next year.
After the storms, which sadly bought down the poppy curtain that flowed from the top of the Church tower, it has been collected with the rest of the poppy curtain, and is now drying out in the poly tunnels, A Big Thank you to People in Action. Bedworth truly has a wonderful community spirit.
A big thank you to Carlton Watson of Carlicious Catering and Event Hire for providing the generator to power everything for the day. Your generosity is very much apreciated.
New benches have been sited at the Peace Podium, the silhouettes have now been added, in time for the 2025 Parade. Other benches to be placed at a later date.
Bedworth Belles created a wonderful poppy curtain that has now been installed on the tower of All Saints Church. A big thank you for help in putting this up goes to Stephanie Morris, Stuart Morris, Murray Richards, Tom Hale, Mike Tustin, John Burwood, Jim Brown, Stewart Treadwell, Martin Hellwig and Lisa Willis.
Look out for the new Poppy banners that were kindly sponsored by Bedworth Tesco. These are the Barrier Banners which run from the Park gates down Sgt Simon Valentine’s Way to the new crossing.
The banners in the Memorial area are on the same lines but larger. This shows the Armistice Logo more clearly.
Due to recent tragic events Nationally and Internationally additional safety/security barriers will be in place. This means that road closures will start at 09:30. These blocks were donated by Balfour Beatty, see events page for details.
Other News items which will be updated as and when, so come back later to see what has changed.
Discussions are progressing with NBBC regarding upgrading the hard standing and access at the War Memorial ground.
No news yet on the missing Tommy, currently absent without leave. If anyone knows anything, please let us or the police know.
The Committee are looking into the names that are missing from the memorial, two students from Warwick University are helping with this. If you know of anyone whose name should be on the Memorial, please contact us via the link below.
The two badges crafted for the 2021 Centenary Armistice Parade are sold out. A collector’s item as there were only 1000 of each.
The Bedworth Armistice Wall, November 2018. Copyright bedworth.nub.news
The Bedworth Armistice Gates. Copyright bedworth.nub.news
Poppy drop November 2019. Copyright Coventry Evening Telegraph
