Torbay communities unite to remember Armed Forces past and present

Communities across Torbay came together yesterday, Sunday 9 November, to honour the service and sacrifice of the UK and Commonwealth Armed Forces.

Remembrance Sunday saw parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and two minutes’ silence, uniting people of all faiths and backgrounds in reflection.

READ NEXT: New showhome opens at major 373-home Torbay development

Cllr Barbara Lewis, The Worshipful Mayor of Torbay, said: "Remembrance is a time for our communities to come together and show our respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars and in more recent conflicts. It is also an opportunity to show our appreciation of the work that our Armed Forces carry out today to keep us safe."

In Torquay, the Annual Civic Parade and Service at the Cenotaph brought together Armed Service units, veterans, and cadets. The traditional two-minute silence was observed at 11am, accompanied by a maroon fired at the start and end, while Bay Brass, the Exeter Pipe and Drums, and St Paul’s Church Choir provided music.

Later in the afternoon, a memorial service was held in the churchyard on Tor Church Road.

Paignton also held services throughout the day.

The morning service at Paignton Parish Church was conducted by the local Royal British Legion branch, followed by an afternoon Wreath Service at Palace Avenue Gardens.

Local dignitaries and community groups took part in the two-minute silence and laid wreaths at the town’s War Memorial.

In Brixham, the Remembrance Parade assembled at the Man and Boy Statue on Kings Quay at 10.30am before moving to Berry Head Road for the main service.

Attendees observed the two-minute silence at 11am, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

The event was attended by Councillor Hazel Foster, Deputy Mayor of Torbay.

Torbay to mark Amistice Day

Torbay will continue to mark Armistice Day on Tuesday 11 November with a series of services and moments of reflection.

In Torquay, a short service outside Torquay Town Hall will be followed by a two-minute silence at 11am, while St Marychurch War Memorial will also host an Armistice Service at the same time.

A memorial service will take place at St Mark’s Road at 1pm, with a Festival of Remembrance scheduled for 7.30pm at Central Church.

Paignton’s War Memorial will host a short service with a two-minute silence at 11am, and Brixham will hold a service at Churston War Memorial at 10.55am.

Stagecoach is offering free travel for serving personnel, veterans, and cadets on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, when in uniform or displaying military ID, medals, or badges.

Remembrance events in Torbay are organised by the Royal British Legion, a charity supporting the Armed Forces community. Armistice Day commemorates the end of the First World War at 11am on 11 November 1918, and provides a moment for reflection on all those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.