Town Centre Remembrance Service Sees Bedford Pay Tribute

It was, as always, a true honour to join forces veterans at the Remembrance Service on 'Boots Corner' in Bedford today. Hundreds of people gathered to observe the silence at 11am and the short parade which took place. All who took part in the service did a fine job as always, and allowed those present to remember fallen soldiers in fitting fashion. The service was deeply moving, as ever. Also moving was the Act of Remembrance held in the Mayor's Parlour, which we believe may be unique amongst Mayor's Parlours in having a war memorial within the parlour itself. The Act of Remembrance is held annually prior to the remembrance service in town, and it honours the fallen of the Bedfordshire Yeomanry in the First World War.

I went along to the Poppy Shop in the Harpur Centre after the service in the Town Centre, to give thanks to the volunteers and talk to a number of the veterans. The Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal Organiser, Angela Parker, made the happy announcement was made that the target of raising £50,000 was reached. They're aiming for £60,000 next year! Thanks also must go to the Harpur Centre for enabling the use of a store for the temporary Poppy Shop.

On Sunday the Bedford Branch of the RBL is holding the Annual Remembrance parade and service at The Embankment on Remembrance Sunday. The parade of forces veterans and other local military and service organisations commences at about 10.40 a.m. and reaches the War Memorial to enable the service to begin at about 10.50 a.m.