Villagers remember the fallen

POPPY collections in Kilmington raised a record �2,116 this year.

The village turned out in force to remember the fallen at events throughout the week

Despite the wet weather, 45 people observed the two minutes’ silence at Kilmington playing field on Armistice Day.

Meanwhile primary school staff and children marked the occasion in their playground where the bangs from the maroons were heard clearly.

Refreshments were served in the Hitchcock Pavilion afterwards.

The Remembrance Sunday Service in St Giles’ Church, led by Branch Chaplain Pastor Darrel Holmes, was well attended.

The Lessons were read by Grp Capt Brian Lavender and RAF Cadet Lauren Kerslake after which the Vicar, the Rev Alastair McCollum, gave an excellent address.

Army Cadet Alex Kerslake, aged 13, played the Last Post and Reveille immaculately on the bugle. The collection of �266 was donated to the Poppy Appeal.

There was a good turnout, too, for the short Service and Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial where wreaths were laid by the RBL branch chairman on behalf of all Kilmington residents and also by Special Constable Olive Storey for the police and by two children.

Refreshments were enjoyed in the village hall afterwards, kindly provided by the Baptist Church. Some 36 branch members then enjoyed lunch in the Wheelwright Inn, Colyford.

The Poppy Appeal in Kilmington raised �1,360 from house to house collections and �490 from static boxes and donations which, with the Church collection, totalled �2,116.