Each year more than 200 Remembrance crosses are laid at Wellington’s Field of Remembrance at Wellington Baptist Church, the 29 war graves at Wellington’s cemetery and in and around the war memorial.

Individuals in Wellington make donations to the Royal British Legion, Wellington Branch Poppy Appeal to lay a cross for a loved one who gave their life in the service of their country.

In support of these acts of remembrance the branch is trying to give more serenity to these Remembrance crosses. Each year each cross is cremated and the ashes scattered onto Wellington’s Remembrance Garden.

This year, before the Covid-19 lockdown, the branch had planned to add even more significance to proceedings. It had intended to invite a minister from the local churches, each of whom supports the branch annually on Remembrance Sunday, to officiate at the cremation of the crosses.

This was to be followed by the scattering of the ashes onto the Remembrance Garden by local school children and Wellington’s Mayor, overseen by a local minister.

Sadly, under the lockdown restrictions, the branch was unable to do this. Its chairman, Bob Trickey, said: “It is important to all of us to always remember those people who are involved in the service of their country. Each one of these crosses represents a life lost – someone who didn’t come home. To each one we are truly indebted.”

PETER CRITCHARD

Wellington RBL branch secretary