11 November

Armistice Day, and a familiar ceremony took place in the town centre, under the poppy-wreathed clock tower. This event bore a very close resemblance to its predecessors in happier years, much less affected by lockdown fears than many other local activities. There were, granted, fewer by-standers, but those who came solemnly heard the words of Rev Derek Simpson as he led prayers at this brief but special ceremony. “Let us rediscover who we are together as a community, as family, as a nation and indeed as human beings. The deepest and best truth is summed up in love given and received. We meet in the presence of God to remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives in world wars and conflicts past and present have been given and taken away, that all people may live in freedom, justice and peace….