Axminster honours its war dead

Axminster honoured its war dead with a parade and service of remembrance around the War Memorial on the Minster Green.

The arrangements were organised by former mayor Mervyn Symes on behalf of the Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion.

The parade from South Street to the the parish church was led by the Legion standard bearers and the Mayor of Axminster, Councillor Jill Farrow, and included a number of the town's uniformed organisations, serving members of the Armed Forces and local councillors.

The service of remembrance by conducted by the Legion chaplain, the Reverend Geoffrey Walsh, with prayers by the Reverend Clive Sedgewick.

Thirty six wreaths were laid at the war memorial, including one by Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, Philip Bostock OBE, who was representing the Lord Lieutenant, David Fursdon.

The roll of honour containing the names of all those from Axminster who lost their lives in the two world wards was read by Mr Symes.

The Exhortation was delivered by the Legion president, Ken Brake, and the Kohima Epitaph was spoken by Lesley Frankau, chairman of the Women's Section of the Royal British Legion.

The Last Post and Reveille were played by Andrew Star.

In excess of 200 people gathered on the Minster Green for the service.

Serving members of the Armed Forces present included Petty Officer Luena Thomas, a submariner representing the Royal Navy Medical Corp, and Petty Officer Richard York, representing the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Members of Axminster Carnival Committee assisted with stewarding.