Remembering and Honouring Service at this year’s Remembrance in Frome
Sunday, 12th November 2023 at 10:55
Frome War Memorial (BA11 1EB)
United by the theme of “Service”, Frome will be coming together for the annual Act of Remembrance on Sunday, 12th November 2023 at 10.55. Keeping with tradition, there will be a parade from the Drill Hall, Keyford to the Memorial Theatre garden where a short service will be led by Rev Colin Alsbury. The Last Post will be played to herald the two minutes silence at 11 o’clock. Wreaths will then be laid led by the Royal British Legion, on behalf of the nation, followed by the Mayor of Frome Cllr Philip Campagna, and veterans and serving personnel. Representatives of organisations, youth groups and individuals then follow. The Frome Town Band will accompany the service. Dedications to the memory of the past, and with it the message of recovery, reconciliation and peace will resonate.
In this time of great unrest in the world a symbolic message of reconciliation will take place when, in the presence of representatives from Murrhardt in Germany, marking 40 years since the twinning with Frome, the World War Two plaque in the Memorial Theatre foyer will be rededicated with the addition of the name of Corporal R.W. Smith, Royal Corps of Signals, who died in 1946, as a result of his service. Cpl Smith is buried at Holy Trinity Church, Frome under an official Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone. His surviving family and the Murrhardt councillors will lay wreaths together.
(Cpl Smith's story and many others are recorded in David L Adams book “Frome’s Fallen Heroes World War Two”, copies available from Jane Norris on 07776 208531).
Why Remember? Because we can’t forget, says Jane Norris of the Frome Branch RBL, who coordinates Remembrance on behalf of the Frome Town Council. “With too many conflicts battling out as I write, with innocents being maimed and worse, if there is one day that hones our minds and brings the nations thoughts together it is Remembrance Sunday.”
The service will be the last event for the Town Crier Mike Bishop who retires after 17 years of service to the town.
Times and further details:
For those wishing to parade, please meet at the Drill Hall, Keyford at 10:15. 10:42 March off behind the Army Cadet Band. 10:55 service begins at Memorial: 11:20 service ends. Refreshments afterwards in the Assembly Rooms.
Please note: road closure notices from 10:15 -11:30 affecting Wesley Slope and Christchurch Street West. Signs and marshals will be in place, but please leave time for parking and getting to the Memorial.
Laying wreaths: Please contact Jane Norris, RBL Remembrance coordinator on 07776 208531.
