This weekend is Remembrance Sunday, when Her Majesty The Queen leads the country in paying tribute to our service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Of course, this year’s remembrance events hold a special significance as we mark the 100th anniversary of the start of The First World War. That’s why I was especially pleased with the success of Swindon’s very own Festival of Remembrance last Sunday.

The Wyvern Theatre was packed for the event, which is particularly pleasing given that attendances have been declining in recent years. The organising committee of the Royal British Legion’s Swindon branch did a fantastic job at reviving this important occasion. Instrumental in that success was Swindon 105.5’s Shirley Ludford, who produced and compered the event.

I know the team started working on it in February and put in a lot of hours to make it a success. It was certainly worth it.

I was delighted to join the packed house to enjoy acts such as the Defence Academy Military Wives Choir, the Wiltshire Police Band, Wessex Male Choir and The Western Players.

But special mention must go to Goddard Park Community Primary School’s Glee club who performed songs from the Great War, attired in costumes of the era.

It was incredibly poignant and there was not a dry eye in the house. The children are a credit to their school and the community it serves. Their participation emphasised a very important point: These remembrance events will survive the test of time only if the younger generation understand the significance and carry on the tradition.

Mention too must go to Alan Baker who has worked tirelessly for the Royal British Legion in Swindon for 40 years. He received a medal for his long service, and the audience gave him a thoroughly-deserved ovation.

Altogether the event was a huge success, and long may it continue.

This Sunday of course we have the annual Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in Swindon town centre.

It’s always an intensely moving and thought-provoking event. The period of silence, when the usual hustle and bustle of the town is put to one side just for two minutes, gives everyone an opportunity to remember the fallen and pay tribute to their sacrifices. I hope to see many people there.

It’s worth reflecting that our modern Armed Services are not just fighting wars. Last week a ship left our shores carrying British military personnel to west Africa to help in the fight against Ebola. They are incredibly brave of course, and their courage is in the best traditions of our armed forces. Let’s remember them too, as we pause in our collective act of remembrance this coming Sunday.