On Sunday, 12th November, the second joint-Remembrance Sunday event, organised by 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 2016, 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 the wreaths. Along with support from a wide range of organisations and individuals, this new partnership has secured 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.

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.

Residents are reminded that 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. Cllr Slade said: “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 continued to be a success, following on from the first event in 2016. He said: “The joint-working group has 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.”