Activities to mark Remembrancetide will start off in Saltash today (Saturday) with a special Poppy Appeal coffee morning at the Wesley Church.

During the event from 10am - 12 noon, members of the public will be able to buy Poppy merchandise of all kinds and support the campaign.

While the town’s Festival of Remembrance was cancelled due to the pandemic, the Royal British Legion (RBL) is going ahead with other events over the Remembrance period. A two-minute silence will be held to mark Armistice Day at 11am on November 11 outside The Brunel Inn.

Meanwhile, residents are invited to take part in a Remembrance parade on Sunday, November 14, but the preceding church service will be for invited guests only, says the Town Council, due to the continued risk posed by COVID-19.

“We realise this will be disappointing to many members of the community, but we have to keep everyone safe,” said a Council spokesperson.

“The service will be streamed live on Zoom for those who wish to participate.”

The parade will leave Wesley Church in Saltash at around 3pm to march to the war memorial at St Nicholas and St Faith Church, where wreaths will be laid.

Anyone who plans to attend the parade or who wishes to join the service via Zoom should contact [email protected] or call 01752 844846.

Meanwhile, members of the Saltash Royal British Legion travelled to Westminster Abbey recently to attend he national RBL 100th celebrations.

Carolann Pabst and Carol Emmett were invited to the event to receive awards, and travelled to London with their guests and fellow branch members Sue Higman and Thelma Taylor.

The special service of thanksgiving was attended by The Queen, The Princess Royal and 1,200 guests from across the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families, as well as members, supporters, staff and volunteers.??

As part of the RBL family, both Carolann and Carol had been nominated for their time and effort supporting the Armed Forces community and remembering their sacrifice as part of the RBL’s Reward and Recognition scheme, launched to mark the 100th birthday.?

Carolann received two Centenary Awards, one for her role as Saltash Branch Community Support, and the other as a Volunteer Fundraiser.??Carol was put forward for her award for Community Service during the covid pandemic.

Both ladies said they were extremely pleased to have been nominated for these awards in the first instance, but then felt very proud and honoured to represent Saltash and the branch at such a prestigious event.??