We remember those who have died in many wars and ongoing conflicts with a Remembrance Service on 12th November at Radstock Baptist Church, and will observe the two minute silence at 11 a.m.

In the afternoon, at 2 p.m., there will be a short service at the War Memorial near the Wheel in Radstock, where organisations will lay wreaths in honour of those who died in war.

The ceremony of Remembrance was inaugurated by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of hostilities in World War I. The Armistice was signed by representatives of Germany and the allies on 11th November 1918. Each year, poppy wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph and War Memorials in Britain and in many countries. Lt. Col. John McCrea, a Canadian physician wrote the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, which refers to the red poppies which grew in abundance on the battlefields. The verse, ‘We shall

remember them,’ was written by Professor Moina Michael from Georgia, who declared she would wear a red poppy on every anniversary. The idea spread to Europe and General Haig supported the wearing of the poppy each year. Originally these were real poppies, but have been manufactured for many years. They are a symbol of the blood spilled in war.

Kathy Butler