FROME fell silent on November 12th as around 1,300 people gathered in the town to pay their respects at the town’s annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service.
Local groups, businesses, schools and past and present service men and women laid wreaths at Frome’s War Memorial to honour all those who have died or been injured in conflict.
Jane Norris, chair of the Frome Branch of the Royal British Legion and Remembrance co-ordinator said, “Many thanks for supporting the Frome Remembrance Parade and Service on Remembrance Sunday.
“We were blessed with good weather, until the end, when the clouds broke and the crowds dispersed, but not before some 1,300 or more had shown their respects at the ceremony held at the Memorial Theatre, overlooked by Charlie Robbins, Frome’s WW1 soldier standing resplendent, looking down from his plinth.
“We had three known WW2 veterans present, all of whom stood and laid wreaths, one to mark the end of WW2, and the other, the Burma Star Association. Ron Stone, who turned 98 the previous week, had served as a commando in the Far East. He broke the two minutes’ silence by reading loudly the Kohima Epitaph.
“Ivor Pickford, who had turned 95 also the week before, was wearing his Legion d’Honneur, awarded in 2014 by the French nation, in thanks for his service at the Normandy Landings in 1944; and Jo Dismore the youngest of the veterans at 92, who served with the RNVR, at sea. Jo has been followed recently during the recognition for his services to Frome, especially Active and In Touch.
“Added to the wreath-laying this year, was Titus, a beautiful golden doodle dog, owned by Tim and Emma. He stood before the wreath layers, and laid the blue poppy wreath for the Animals-Remembered Association. This association founded in 2010, serves to recognise and remember the contribution all animals have given during war or acts of atrocity, areas of disaster, or peace. Their contribution in recovery is now recognised, when minds and bodies suffer, from often hidden illness. If these cherished companions could tell their owners’ stories, how much more we might well appreciate the needs of our neighbours.
“Children from St John’s First School, and youth groups all came forward, as did veterans and representatives of charities and organizations. I am so pleased that schools like St John’s First School have embraced Remembrance and are showing their support. Headteacher Claire Marsland and her pupils at St John’s have really made an effort, writing songs and learning more about the event. St John’s are already planning for next year’s Remembrance.
“This is the one day Frome comes together, voluntarily, at no cost, with no materialism, and everyone with their own needs. We continue to honour veterans of all ages, and pledge anew to continue the good work of the Royal British Legion in welfare and outreach and companionship, whether with four legs or two.”