BUDE and the surrounding area remembered the sacrifices of many in numerous conflicts, old and new, in services and parades on Sunday.

Record crowds were reported as the casualties in Afghanistan reminded those who had forgotten to pay tribute to those who gave life or limb to help preserve our freedom — those who gave their tomorrows for our todays.

The Remembrance Day service at St Andrew's Church, Stratton, began with the traditional gathering at the War Memorial.  Father Brian Dorrington and Methodist minister Peter Bolt led the prayers, and read the names of the fallen of two World Wars, inscribed on the memorial.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the RNA, ACF, RBL, Women's Section RBL, RAOB, and by Cllr Barry Garvie for Bude-Stratton Town Council. The banners were lowered to the Last Post, sounded by a member of Bude Town Band, and raised again at the Reveille following the two minutes silence.

The service continued in church with the Parish Mass, with Father Brian as celebrant and preacher.

This year the weather stayed fine as a large crowd gathered around the War Memorial at Kilkhampton on Remembrance Sunday. This year Rev Joy Wilson led the community Act of Worship, the Reader Gloria Street represented St James Church and Pastor Albert Sloman the Christian Fellowship.

Keith Taylor, secretary of the Parish Council, oversaw the wreath-laying by representatives of various sections of the community. Ray Shaddick read the traditional words, 'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.'

This was followed by Alan Crews reading, 'When you go home, tell them of us and say: For your tomorrow, we gave our today.'

Gloria Street then invited nine-year old Lucy Stevens to come and stand with her while she read a very moving poem that Lucy had written:

'Covered in poppies, red and black, Let our minds think right back, Let us all join in with a prayer, Lay our wreaths with great care. All remember those at war, hurt, injured and much, much more. Please think of those right now, and those who died and think, Well how? How in the future will we stop this fight? Let us hope and try and pray we might.'

This was very well received.

The service continued at the Methodist Chapel where Rev Wilson led the service and gave a talk to the children. Gloria preached the sermon after which everyone adjourned to the Methodist rooms for coffee and a chat.

See this week's 'Post' for further reports and photos.