THERE will be a Remembrance parade and community tribute in Midsomer Norton on Sunday, November 9, to honour the fallen.

Midsomer Norton Town Council and The Royal British Legion, Midsomer Norton & Radstock Branch, are proud to be able to work together once again to organise this year’s Remembrance parade and service.

A spokesperson said: “The community is warmly invited to gather in honour of those who served and sacrificed in the line of duty. The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band will perform from 10.15am, and the Somer Valley Singers will lead the singing of Jerusalem prior to the commencement of the service. They will both accompany the hymns during the service.”

This year’s commemorations are further enriched by a heartfelt community project led by Cllr Wendy Gregory, who has worked closely with the local crochet group, the Norton Hookers, led by Tina Emery the proprietor at Muse Café on South Road. There have also been contributions from many of the Muse Cafe customers and friends and associates of Tina. The Radstock Knitters were also generous enough to make a contribution of their surplus poppies.

The spokesperson continued: “Together, they have created a stunning screen of hand-crafted poppies to adorn the area surrounding the War Memorial. Hundreds of poppies, lovingly knitted and crocheted, have been installed with the help of Town Warden Dave Paisey, creating a powerful visual tribute to the fallen. The display includes some purple poppies in remembrance of all the animals that served during wartime.

“In addition, the High Street has been decorated with poppies on lampposts by the Town Council, and the Royal British Legion has attached poppies to the river railings, each one pointing to the names of local men from both World Wars who are honoured on the memorial.”

They added: “This collective effort reflects the deep respect and gratitude of the Midsomer Norton community. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to attend and pay their respects in this moving act of remembrance.”

The council has announced that a rolling road closure will be in place from 10.30am to 12pm on Sunday, November 9 for: North Road at West Clewes Recreation Ground, Radstock Road at the top of the High Street, and the upper and lower ends of the High Street. People are advised to avoid parking on the High Street and along the parade route, particularly near the War Memorial. Vehicles cannot be moved within the road closures during the parade times.

The parade and service schedule will be as follows:

• 10.46am – Parade halts at the War Memorial

• 10.47am – The Padre will invite wreath-layers to fall in behind the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps

• A non-denominational service will follow, led by ministers from local churches

• 10.59am – Act of Remembrance

• 11am – The Last Post and two minutes’ silence

• 11.05am – Laying of wreaths

• 11.30am – Parade dismissed

For further information about the parade contact Midsomer Norton Town Council or The Royal British Legion, Midsomer Norton & Radstock Branch.