On Sunday, 13th November, the first joint Remembrance Sunday event organised by both the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion and Midsomer Norton Town Council will take place.
A joint working group was formed in the summer and it has proved to be a successful partnership, with the Town Council managing the road closure, publicity and volunteer insurance, alongside the expertise of the British Legion in managing the parade and the event, including organising the wreaths.
Along with support from a wide range of organisations and individuals, this new partnership should secure the future for this popular and poignant event in the community calendar which has been disappearing in some towns due to cost and lack of volunteers.
The joint working group would like to publicly thank Heather Bray for all her time and efforts as the Poppy Appeal Coordinator for Midsomer Norton and Radstock. The poppy symbolises Remembrance to all that purchase one and Heather has decided to stand down after many years.
This year, the Parade will form at the top of the High Street from 10.30 a.m. and march to the War Memorial for a Remembrance Service at 11 a.m., followed by a short march to St John’s Church for an all denominational Church Service at 11.45 a.m.
The High Street will be closed for some periods between 10.45 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. whilst the parade is at the War Memorial and subsequently marches on to the Church.
Cllr Alastair Slade represented the Council on the working group and will be laying a wreath on behalf of the Royal Fleet Auxilliary this year. He summed up the work of the group by saying: “The British Legion run this event superbly in many villages, towns and cities across the country and the Town Council was delighted to provide some support on the joint group so that this could continue in Midsomer Norton.
“Thanks are also due to all those organisations and individuals who give up their time to support the event every year.”
Wg Cdr RAFVR (T) Rtd Geoff Wilson, Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch President of the Royal British Legion, worked with the Town Council on the joint group and agreed that it had been a success, saying: “The joint working group allowed us to focus on our own responsibilities, but also make sure that everything was covered between us.
“By taking this approach, we should be able to keep this important event alive for the future, which is great news for the town.”
Radstock Remembrance
There will be two services in Radstock to remember those who have lost their lives in conflict around the world and members of the community are invited to attend.
The first will be held this Friday, 11th November, gathering just before 11 a.m. for Prayers at the War Memorial in the Miners’ Gardens. There will also be a wreath laying ceremony on Sunday, 13th November at the War Memorial at 2 p.m.
Remembrance at Paulton
On Sunday, 13th November, would those taking part in the Remembrance Parade please assemble at the central village car park at 2.30 p.m. before we make our way to the War Memorial.
After a short service, the parade will lead villagers to Holy Trinity Church for the main service. Will all residents please note that roads in the centre of the village will close from 2.15 p.m. for around one hour.
Remembrance at Orchardleigh
Those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those suffering as a result of many conflicts will be remembered on Sunday, 13th November in the ancient church of St Mary the Virgin, Orchardleigh.
The service will start at 10.55 a.m., so the Act of Remembrance will fall at 11 a.m.