NOVEMBER is the time of year when Wellington and the rest of the UK takes time to remember those who have given their lives for their country and those who have suffered injury or life-changing wounds – and their families who support them every day.

The Royal British Legion (RBL) is able to offer help with the public’s support to all these people throughout the year.

The RBL in Wellington has poppy stalls in the town’s Asda and Co-op supermarkets, and the One Stop shop in High Street, until Saturday (November 10).

Once again, following Remembrance, the Remembrance crosses laid on the 29 war graves in Wellington Cemetery, and at the town’s Field of Remembrance at Wellington Baptist Church, will be incinerated so the ashes can be scattered on the Remembrance Garden at Wellington Park. This is normally done by two local school children at the Armed Forces Day commemoration event.

Wellington’s Field of Remembrance was laid out in Wellington Baptist Church and dedicated by Rev Sam Griffiths on Sunday.

As Armistice Day falls on Remembrance Sunday, the RBL, along with the local churches and Wellington Town Council, will not be commemorating the National Two Minute Silence in Wellington town centre this year.

Remembrance Sunday is on Sunday (November 11). The muster for the parade to the war memorial in Wellington Park begins at 2.30pm on the parade ground at Wellington School. It will step off just before 3pm and arrive at the park for the annual service of Remembrance at 3.15pm. As always, the Service of Remembrance is arranged by Churches Together in Wellington and led by branch chaplain Rev Tim Treanor.

Organisations in Wellington which wants to collect Remembrance wreaths will be able to pick them up from the 1st Wellington Scout Hall in Fore Street from 10am-1pm on Saturday (November 10).

This year, with the help of the Friends of Wellington Park, the RBL is able to offer seats to elderly or disabled veterans for their comfort during the service. To help the RBL provide enough chairs on the day, book through branch secretary Peter Critchard on 01823 668698 – this will avoid disappointment at the service.

Members of the RBL Riders Branch will hand out order of service sheets and try to ensure everyone has a copy to be able to fully take part in the service.

The RBL Wellington branch is looking for more people to take part in its door-to-door street collection. To volunteer to carry out this important role contact branch Poppy Appeal organiser Angie Filler on 01823 660084.

It is not necessary to be a member or former member of the Armed Forces to become an RBL member. To help the Wellington branch in any way contact chairman Ray Filler on 01823 660084.

Peter Critchard

Wellington RBL secretary