More numbers than ever attended the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service in Frome on 8th November, when children from junior schools and youth groups joined with veterans of past campaigns to stand and pay their respects.
A parade of military and civilian groups marched from Keyford Road to the Memorial Theatre on Christchurch Street West, where a service was held to remember soldiers who have lost their lives in service.
Chairman of Frome’s Royal British Legion, Jane Norris praised the successful event and said, “Time has moved on but conflict is still the same. Everyone is equal on that day, from the young bugler of the Army Cadet Force to 96-year-old former Royal Marine Ron Stone, who read the Kohima Epitaph at the end of the two minute silence, personal thoughts and memories were with each and everyone.
“For some, those memories extended back 70 years to the end of World War Two. Six local residents stood together and laid a wreath to commemorate that period: Ron Stone (96) had served in Burma, Midge Skene (95) served with the WAAF in India, John Dismore (91) served with the RNVR off America and then Ceylon, whilst Gwen Dunford (91) and Edith Knight (90) awaited news of their husband and fiancé who were also in Burma. Wally Harbert also attended with his memories of being an evacuee.
“After the official wreath laying the public were welcomed to come forward; it was just as important that those who wished to, took part and later talked, which is healing in itself.
“With the annual Poppy Appeal fortnight now over, we expect that the public will once again have been remarkably generous in their giving to the service charity.”
Later on the same day, Mayor of Frome, cllr Kate Bielby and David Warburton MP attended a service at St. John the Baptist Church.
