Representatives from the Armed Forces, youth organisations, local groups, and civic leaders will gather in Courtenay Street at 10am on November 8. The parade is scheduled to commence at 10:35am, proceeding along Queen Street, led by The Devonport Royal Naval Volunteer Band.
Upon reaching the War Memorial in The Avenue, Standard Bearers, school children, and youth groups will enter the memorial grounds. The band will take position at the top of The Avenue, with wreath layers forming outside Naz restaurant. Signed traffic restrictions will be in effect during the event.
The service itself will be led by Royal British Legion Chaplain, Revd Gareth Regan. The first hymn is set for 10:45am, followed by an introduction from The Salvation Army Band and singing led by Tracey Pearce of WBW Solicitors. MP Martin Wrigley is expected to deliver a scripture reading, with the Exhortation provided by a member of the Royal British Legion.
The traditional observance of The Last Post at 10:58am will precede two minutes of silence from 11am, concluding with the Reveille and Kohima Dedication. Wreaths will be laid by Newton Abbot Mayor Cllr Louise Cooke, Chairman of Teignbridge District Council Cllr Rob Steemson, Martin Wrigley MP, the Royal British Legion, and other attendees.
Prayers for the Armed Forces will be led by local Clergy. Following this, Cllr Cooke will deliver a short address and a poem. The second hymn will be followed by Harriet Davis of the 1st Newton Abbot Guides reading the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. The event will conclude with the National Anthem and blessing, after which the Parade will reform and march back to the Royal British Legion Headquarters.
The Mayor, accompanied by the Senior Naval Officer and the Presidents of the Royal British Legion, will take the salute at the War Memorial. Following the departure of the standards, the Mayor, councillors, and uniformed groups will move to the pavement in front of the War Memorial. Youth groups will form a Guard of Honour for the Mayor.
Natalie Hicks from Newton Abbot Town Council, the event co-ordinator, stated: ‘As always it’s an honour to arrange the Remembrance Service and Parade and we know how much it means to the town. We are expecting plenty of people to attend and pay their respects so would urge motorists to remember that road closures will be in place and to plan their journeys accordingly.’
A brief service will also be held at the War Memorial on Wednesday November 11 at 10:45am.
