The Town Council was delighted that so many people turned out on 7 October to support the WW1 Centenary Maritime Commemoration at Belle Vue Park, attended by active troops and veterans. Our own Mayor Cllr Ian Graham, Lady Clare Countess of Euston Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, and Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Woodcock, were among those who gave moving tributes and recognised the devastating impact of the War on the town and its people. The Royal Hospital School band and young people of the Combined Cadet Forces helped provide a focus for remembering the past as well as helping us to think about hope and future generations.

If you could not attend, a large number of photos from the event are available here. If you are able to, take a stroll down to Belle Vue Park and see the beautiful poppy Memorial Garden that the Town Council designed and had made to help us remember those who lost their lives and fought for our freedom. An area for peaceful reflection, currently enhanced by about 3000 knitted poppies, provided by the Poppies by the Sea Group. The poppies will remain in place until after Remembrance Day on 11 November, when they will be available to buy from the local branch of the Royal British Legion with proceeds supporting their work.

Remembrance Day has an extra significance this year, as it is also Armistice Day and 100 years since the end of World War 1. Help us to mark this occasion, starting at 6.00 am at England’s most easterly point, Ness Point, when a bagpiper will pipe out Battles O’er. A Remembrance Service will take place at 10.45 am at Royal Plain and finally, from 6.30 to 7.30 pm at Sparrows Nest, a beacon will be lit, church bells will ring out and a band will play.