Today at 11am the country will fall silent to mark the day in 1918 when the armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany which brought an end to the First World War.

It was certainly an event that changed the course of history, which is why King George V first started the Armistice Day tradition the year after the war ended.

The significance of the anniversary – 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month – should not be lost on anyone and I know it will be observed with its usual reverence this morning. Please do take a moment during the two-minute silence to remember the millions of people who gave their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

More than 900 people from our town died during the Great War and a permanent tribute to their sacrifice is on display in the main reception area of the Civic Offices in the shape of a huge wooden plaque which bears all their names.

Swindon’s First World War memorial was purchased along with the Cenotaph by public conscription not long after 1918 as a permanent reminder to those from the town who died during the war.

The memorial was placed in the old Town Hall in Regent Circus but, unfortunately, over time, suffered water damage and was out of public view until current Swindon mayor, councillor Garry Perkins, asked our museums and heritage team a few years ago to secure external funding to restore it to its original state.

If you are passing by the Civic Offices please pop in and take a look as these brave residents should never be forgotten by any of us.

Visitors to Lydiard Park can also pay their respects to those Armed Services personnel who lost their lives serving their country, including those that died in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Lydiard Park Field of Remembrance is currently open in the Walled Garden and is open for a month during this time of the year. There is also a daily service at 2pm while the field is open.

The Field will close on Sunday, November 28 and opening times are between 9am and 4pm.

This Sunday I will be joining Coun Perkins, the Royal British Legion and other dignitaries at the traditional Remembrance Day service and parade at the Cenotaph close to Central Library and the former Town Hall building.

The service procession will start at 10.50am with a two-minute silence taking place at 11am and will be followed by wreath laying, a remembrance service and cadets' parade and drill.

Everyone is welcome to attend and, although the event is outdoors, we’d encourage those who can make it to follow the Government's Covid-19 guidance.

If you would like more information about the event there is a special Eventbrite page where you can also download an order of service booklet.