WITH lockdown being enforced days before Remembrance, the Royal British Legion (RBL) had very little time to replan its events to honour the fallen.

However, scaled down remembrance events were able to go ahead in Cam and Dursley, subject to some strict regulations. These took place on Remembrance Sunday, at Cam Hopton war memorial at 11am, and at the Dursley memorial gate at St James’ Church at 3pm.

At both events, the Union flag, carried by Mr G McArdle, and the Dursley and Cam RBL branch standard, carried by Ms K Reynolds were marched onto the memorial.

The Exhortation was then delivered by Mrs Jane Jennings, RBL Dursley and Cam branch secretary, followed by the standards being dipped to the Last Post, two minutes silence and Reveille played by Mr Ian Smith. Mrs Jennings then delivered the Khohima Epitaph, and a wreath was laid on behalf of the local RBL branch. Arrangements had been made to have wreaths laid ahead of time by many of the local associations who normally take part.

“In a very difficult year the Royal British Legion has still managed to keep our covenant with our war dead and remember all our armed forces personnel who have made sacrifices,” said Union Standard Bearer Mr G McArdle.

“This was important to the RBL as custodians of remembrance and to the country’s veteran community, as due to Covid19 we have had been unable to properly commemorate the very important anniversaries this year, including VE day and VJ day as well as the sacrifice made in recent conflicts. We look forward to next year when we will be able to have our veterans, families, friends, and the public join us in our commemorations.”

Also pictured here are members of the Dursley Army Cadet Force, observing the two minute silence on their own doorsteps, and at home with their younger brothers, in Cadet A Wood’s case (bottom centre photo) on Sunday.

The platoon’s commander, Sergeant Katy Perrett said: “It was a bit of a different Remembrance this year, usually we would be smartly parading through the town.

“It’s been a difficult few months since closing the platoon in March due to Covid.

“But these young people continue to motivate, inspire and get involved in everything we are doing during the lockdown.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these young people and honoured they are part of the Dursley community.”