Sun shines as Devizes remembers the fallen

Under the watchful eye of parade master Lt Col (Retd) Norman Minty youngsters from uniformed groups lined up alongside veterans and serving soldiers as Mayor Judy Rose led the inspection party along the ranks.

Lt Col (Retd) Bobby Haslam made sure the youth groups felt included and stopped for a word with as many as possible as they stood to attention outside The Corn Exchange.

He said: "It is good for the children to feel they play an important part. You could see the pride on their faces when the inspection party stopped to talk to them."

Lt Ian Peaple of Devizes Army Cadets had a group of 22 boys and girls aged between 12 and 17 on parade. He said: "Remembrance Sunday means a lot to us and it is important for us to take part."

Lt Col Haslam was worried that after last year's huge build up to the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War it would be difficult to make this year as special.

But he was delighted with the turn out that included members of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, a large contingent of soldiers from the intelligence units from Upavon, representatives from Wiltshire police, firefighters, St John Ambulance and members of the Royal British Legion.

Wiltshire Lord Lieutenant Sarah Troughton joined other local dignitaries at the Devizes service.

The parade was led by a marching band made up of Devizes musicians and bringing up the rear were three members of the British Legion Riders on their high powered motorcycles followed by a large group from Devizes Scooter Club.

Devizes British Legion president Jeff Matthews also joined the motorised rearguard on his mobility scooter.

Poppy appeal organiser Franklin Richmond was out and about at schools in the lead up to the wreath laying ceremony encouraging children to create their own versions.

At 11am the two minute silence was observed by the Garden of Remembrance as young and old paid tribute to the fallen.