Lest we forget - a host of events are scheduled to mark Armistice Day this Saturday, November 11th and Remembrance Sunday on November 12th in Shrewsbury. Pictured: Richard Royle's reimagined Charge of the Light Brigade.
There are a number of ways you can participate in an Act of Remembrance in Shrewsbury this year - from buying and wearing your Poppy (now plastic-free!) to taking part or watching the civic procession from Shrewsbury Castle to The Quarry, enjoying quiet reflection in Shrewsbury Abbey, where there is a fabulous display of poppies created by the WI, or joining a service of Remembrance in the town.
'The Charge of the Light Brigade' as reimagined by Richard Royle
Richard Royle: Poetry Reading & Exhibition
Saturday, November 11th, 2pm - The Parade Shops Shrewsbury
Visit the Armistice Day tribute from Richard Royle on show in Richard's gallery at The Parade Shops, Shrewsbury.
This retelling of the Charge of the Light Brigade is based on the famous painting by Elizabeth Southerden Thompson Butler, showing the defeated soldiers returning to the line after the charge at Balaclava.
"It's inspired by what Warhol did with the Last Supper," Richard says. "I've accompanied it with three individual portraits taken from Butler's scene. The intention is to drop the lights at 2pm and play the Tennyson poem. Even if I'm here alone, it will happen!"
Remembrance Match Day, Shrewsbury Town FC
Saturday, November 11th, 3pm
This year's match is between Shrewsbury Town and Reading, hosted and organised by Shrewsbury Town in the Community, the Royal British Legion and Shropshire Council's Armed Forces Covenant team. The event aims to highlight the contribution our Armed Forces past and present have made over many years and an act of remembrance takes place at 2.45pm It’s also an opportunity for the supporters of both Shrewsbury Town and Reading to pay their respects.
Serving personnel can obtain a ticket by emailing tickets@shrewsburytown.co.uk or by calling the ticket office on (01743) 273943. Veterans wanting a ticket should email safcc@shropshire.gov.uk
Armistice Day Remembrance Service
Saturday, November 11th, 10.45am - St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury
There will be a short Remembrance Service held in the grounds of St Mary’s Church, Dogpole. This event normally takes place in Shrewsbury Square but for this year only it will take place at St Mary’s Church. The short Service which is open for all to attend, will be led by the Vicar from St Georges Church, Frankwell and will be attended by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, members of the Shrewsbury Branch of the Royal British Legion and Standard Bearers. A bugler from the Bligny Band and Bugles will play the Last Post before a two minutes silence.
The stunning WI display of poppies at Shrewsbury Abbey
Shrewsbury Abbey Service of Remembrance
Sunday, November 12th, 10.55am
See the wonderful remembrance tribute of poppies the WI have produced in the Abbey, and visit the 'Symmetry' memorial to Wilfred Owen in the grounds.
This annual service, led by Padre Pat Aldred, is an opportunity to remember those who have served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Remembrance Day Civic Procession
Sunday, November 12th, from Shrewsbury Castle, 10.20am
The Mayor of Shrewsbury will lead the civic procession from the castle, accompanied by units of HM Forces and service organisations.
The route will take in: Castle Gates, Castle Street, Pride Hill, Mardol Head and St John's Hill to The Quarry - and the procession will be led by music from Bligny Band and Bugles. The procession is followed by a memorial service and wreath-laying at the memorial in The Quarry, at 10.45. Buglers will sound the Last Post, followed by two minutes silence.
The Mayoral party then moves on to the saluting dais on St Chad's Terrace, for a march-past and salute. Road closures will be in place across the town centre between 9am and 12pm.
Residents who are unable to attend the event will be able to watch a live stream provided by Shrewsbury Town Council.
Service of Remembrance at St Chad's
Sunday, November 12th, 10am
This will not be a service of holy communion. This service will finish at 10.40am to enable people to participate in the rest of the service in The Quarry.
Following the civic procession and wreath laying in The Quarry, there will be wreath laying in St Aidan’s Chapel (St Chad’s Church) in remembrance of the KSLI.
