Pictures: Remembrance events across North Devon to honour the fallen

North Devon remembered the fallen at the weekend, honouring those who gave their lives in conflicts during the past century.

As ever, remembrance services took place at communities large and small across both North Devon and Torridge as councils, local military personnel, veterans, schools and many local organisations paid their respects and laid wreaths at war memorials throughout the region.

Saturday, November 11, was of course Armistice Day and at 11am in many towns and villages people paused and bowed their heads for a two minute silence to mark the moment more than a century ago in 1918 when the guns of the Great War finally ceased.

The following day, Remembrance Sunday, saw remembrance services throughout the region, well attended and with a sense of community, a far cry from the protests and disturbances seen in London.

*** A big thank you to contributing photographers Graham Hobbs, Austin Wallas, Simon Stuart, Neil Perrin, Tom Teegan, Ian Roome, Selaine Saxby MP and everyone else who sent in pictures.

In Barnstaple, the town council organised both the annual Sunday remembrance parade and service, as well as the special Children’s Remembrance service on Friday at the Rock Park war memorial – now a firm tradition and the chance for local schools and new generations to pay their respects.

On Sunday Remembrance Day parade commenced at 10:30am, setting set off from Ladies Mile, featuring numerous local organisations and arriving at the Rock Park War Memorial just before 11am. The Venerable Verena Breed, Archdeacon of Barnstaple, presided over the service.

Barnstaple tributes this year included a special ‘poppy train’ at the station, created by volunteers from Barnstaple in Bloom and Tarka Rail Association, as well as a poppy display on the face of the Albert Clock in the square.

Barnstaple town clerk Rob Ward said: “We are always proud to host these events. They have a special place in our hearts.

“I’d like to thank everyone who worked behind the scenes for their organisation, and all the various groups and representatives who took part. Despite the inclement weather, the North Devon public turned out en masse to pay their respects.”

In Bideford, Torridge District Council and Bideford Town Council joined forces as ever to host the Armistice Day service on Saturday at Victoria Park, followed by the town’s remembrance event on Sunday.

Appledore always has a good turn out and hosts its own remembrance event on Remembrance Sunday.

In Ilfracombe, numerous organisations from the town including the town council, veterans, the RNLI, army and sea cadets, Scouts and Guides, to name a few, joined the Remembrance Day parade to the war memorial.

Combe Martin always sees an excellent turn out for its Remembrance Day parade, with numerous veterans from the village joined by local organisations and many local people for a procession to the church, followed by a service and then a moving Act of Remembrance at the village war memorial.

Speaking on Sunday, North Devon MP Selaine Saxby Said: “It was an honour to lay a wreath during this morning’s Remembrance Service in Rock Park, Barnstaple.  Indeed North Devon this weekend has been home to many moving Remembrance events. 

“I was privileged to be at RMB Chivenor for their service on Friday as well as in South Molton on Armistice Day itself.

“In addition to remembering all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the police for their service this weekend. One hundred members of the Devon and Cornwall force have been in London policing the protests, in very difficult circumstances. 

“Thank you to everyone who has ensured this Remembrance weekend here in North Devon has run so smoothly.”