Frome has the opportunity of coming together in Remembrance this weekend, joining the nation to remember the fallen and injured of all conflicts, and all affected by war, on Saturday 11th November, Armistice Day, and Remembrance Sunday, 12th November.
On Saturday 11th November at 11am, there will be a two minutes’ silence observed at Frome War Memorial at the Memorial Theatre when RBL, RNA, RAFA and other service organisation Standards will be dipped.
The following day, Remembrance Sunday, 12th November, the town’s annual parade and Act of Remembrance will take place.
The Memorial Theatre will again be the focus, beside the statue of Charlie Robbins, Frome’s very own WW1 veteran, on whom the iconic image was caste.
The timings will be as follows:-
10.15am Parade meets Drill Hall Keyford.
10.45am Parade marches off
10.55am Service begins at Memorial Theatre War Memorial
11.25am Parade dismissed.
Jane Norris, chair of the Frome branch, Royal British Legion said, “If you should wish to take part in the parade, please meet at the Drill Hall, Keyford, at 10.15am on Sunday 12th November. March off at 10.45am. Otherwise, come along to the area around the Frome Memorial Theatre, where the service will begin at 10.55am.
“Beside the official wreath laying, there will be an opportunity for the public to lay a poppy or cross during the service. Please note, roads will be closed from 10.30am until 11.30am so make allowances for parking.
“The Assembly Rooms will be open for refreshments and chat after the service.
At 6.30pm on Sunday 12th November, the Service of Remembrance with Parade of Standards will take place at St John the Baptist Church, Frome, with readings by cllr Sheila Gore, Mayor of Frome, and David Warburton MP.
Everyone is welcome to all observances.
Jane Norris, explained that the Royal British Legion, which leads the Remembrance events each year, is more than aware of the changing times, so has continued the theme started last year, of “Rethinking Remembrance.”
Veterans of all generations continue to stand side by side, telling their own personal experiences, but this year, the public has been asked to rethink the role of the poppy.
“Traditionally,” the Legion says, “the poppy has been about the fallen. We wanted to re-emphasise that it’s a symbol of hope for the Armed Forces community, past and present.
“Television adverts have shown poppies germinating in unusual places, to become fully-bloomed flowers. This symbolism is to remind us of the fallen, and also that the poppy represents those who are living on too.”
So how do you wear your poppy: left side or right? According to the RBL, there is no right or wrong way, as long as you are wearing the poppy with pride.
For more information on Rethinking Remembrance visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/remember or call Jane on 0777 620 8531.