Towns and villages across East Devon will remember the fallen

Communities across East Devon will go on parade in the coming days to honour the casualties of war.

Remembrance and Armistice Day parades and services will be held in Honiton, Axminster and Seaton, along with similar commemorative events in villages

At Seaton, The Act of Remembrance, led by the Seaton Branch Royal British Legion, will be observed at The War Memorial in St Gregory’s Churchyard, prior to the morning service on Sunday, November 8.

This will bring together local organisations, youth groups, public bodies and many from the local community in a few minutes of dignified solemnity and reflection on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The names of the fallen are read, followed by the playing of Last Post and two minutes’ silence at 11am. The silence is broken by Reveille and then wreaths are laid at the foot of the War Memorial. At the same time, posies of poppies are laid by children on the war graves in the church yard. The gathered ensemble will then proceed into St Gregory’s Church.

On Wednesday, November 11, Seaton Branch RBL in company with civic leaders will observe the Act of Remembrance at 11am. This will take place in Windsor Gardens in front of the Field of Remembrance, that is created each year to hold personal tributes. Everyone from the community is invited to these few poignant moments of reflection.

This year, wooden crosses bearing the names of the fallen from World War Two will be placed in a specially prepared area, by children from Seaton Primary School as the names are read out. Afterwards, hot drinks will be available in the town hall for everyone.

At Honiton today (Wednesday, November 4), a Festival of Remembrance takes place in St Paul’s Church starting at 7.30pm. Music is being provided by the Honiton Town Band and guest performers.

On Sunday, November 8, there is the traditional parade and church service at St Paul’s. The procession starts at 2.30pm followed by the service and wreath laying starts at 3 pm. Afterwards there will be a march past at the war memorial. Refreshments will be served in the Mackarness Hall at the end of the commemorations.

In the evening, from 7.30pm, an Act of Remembrance in St Paul’s will feature the University of Exeter Chapel Choir. Admission is free.

On Wednesday, November 11, the Last Post will be played and exhortation read at the war memorial at 11am.

At Axminster, residents will join representatives of local uniformed groups and Royal British Legion members to parade from the South Street car park to the Minster Green on Sunday, November 8, at 10.30am.

They will gather at the War Memorial for the exhortation and the laying of the wreaths.

Afterwards the service of remembrance in St Mary’s Church will be lead by the RBL chaplain the Reverend Geoffrey Walsh.

An Armistice Day service will also be held on the Minster Green at the War Memorial on November 11 at 11am when the two minutes’ silence will be observed.