Torquay war memorial gets makeover in time for Remembrance weekend

Deputy Civic Mayor Barbara Lewis was joined by the Torquay branch of the Royal British Legion and its secretary Richard Pearce to see the finished refurbishment.

The repairs were funded through a legal agreement as part of the planning permission for the English Riviera Wheel.

Torquay RBL secretary Mr Pearce said: "We are absolutely delighted. I was given a scaffolding tour before the work was done and couldn't believe how bad it was. They could not have done a better job." 

A council spokesman said: "We want to thank the contractors that did fantastic work over the last couple of months." RC Stonework (stonemason), Elliot Ryder Conservation (metalwork conservator), McNeilage Conservation (gilding), Pro Build Scaffolding, SWISCo and Green Valley Pest Control have all been praised for their part in the refurbishment.

Torbay's communities unite annually on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community of the UK and Commonwealth, and all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

To complement National Remembrance Services, Remembrance Services, Civic Parades and quiet moments of reflection will be taking place locally in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

Torbay mayor Hannah Stevens said: "Remembrance Day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices that so many made and continue to make for our freedom. By coming together as a community, we can ensure their legacy lives on. We have Remembrance Services taking place across Torbay, so please join us if you can.”

Services include:

Torquay

Sunday November 10 - annual Remembrance Sunday Civic Parade and Service from 10.45am

A parade to the Cenotaph by the Torbay Armed Service units, Veterans and Cadets, will be followed by the traditional two minutes’ silence at 11am, a short service and the laying of wreaths. A maroon will be fired at the start and end of the two minutes’ silence.

Bay Brass will be performing as well as Exeter Pipe and Drums. Cllr Hannah Stevens, The Worshipful The Mayor of Torbay and Deputy Lieutenant, Gordon Evans, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Devon will be attending to observe the traditional two minutes’ silence.

Due to the ongoing Torquay harbourside improvement works and the road closure that is already in place until the end of the month, motorists are advised to make themselves familiar with the diversion route and access arrangements for the area, especially if they are planning to attend the service after the additional Torbay Road temporary road closure is put in place.

Road closures

• Torbay Road will be closed in both directions, between the junction at Belgrave Road / Shedden Hill, through to the Torbay Hotel from 9am until 1pm.
• This temporary closure is in addition to the closure already in place at Torquay’s harbourside for the ongoing improvement works.

Parking

• Shedden Hill car park is open and accessible as normal.
• Fleet Walk car park is open but can only be accessed via Rock Road.
• Beacon Quay car park is open but can only be accessed from the direction of Meadfoot Road or Torwood Street / Victoria Parade.
• Parking suspensions will be in place along Torbay Road from 1am until 12pm on Sunday November 10.
• Marina car park, access via Torbay Road up until the time of the road closure at 9am. Motorists choosing to park here will not be able to move their vehicle until the Torbay Road, road closure is lifted at approximately 1pm.

Bus passengers should be aware that during the road closure, all services will arrive and depart from the bus stops on Torquay seafront, adjacent to and opposite Abbey Park. 

Due to restrictions at the Vaughan Road (Pavilion) drop-off, a complementary shuttle service from Shedden Hill car park to the Princess Theatre will be in operation between 9.30am and 1.30pm for those unable to walk to Princess Gardens from the car park.

Pedestrian access from Torwood Street, Beacon Quay, Fleet Street and the sea front is unaffected by the road closure and ongoing harbourside works.

Monday November 11

Armistice Day and two minutes’ silence

A short service outside of Torquay Town Hall will be conducted by the Torquay branch of the Royal British Legion.

At 11am there will be a two minutes’ silence. A pistol will be fired to mark the start and end of the moment of reflection.

There will be a short road closure in place from 10.55am until 11.15am.

Paignton

Sunday November 10

Morning Church Service at 10am, conducted in Paignton Parish Church by Father Neil Knox, with the Paignton branch of the Royal British Legion.

Afternoon Wreath Service at 3pm in Palace Avenue Gardens at the War Memorial. There will be a short service, including a two minutes’ silence and wreath laying by Local Dignitaries and other organisations. 

Parking restrictions will be in place from 2pm and a road closure in place from 2.30pm until the end of the service.

Monday November 11

Armistice Day two minutes’ silence.

A short service at Paignton War Memorial, with a two minutes’ silence at 11am.

Brixham

Sunday November 10

A service of remembrance, arranged by the Brixham branch of the Royal British Legion will be taking place at the War Memorial, Berry Head Road. A wreath laying ceremony will take place at 11am. The Deputy Mayor of Torbay, Cllr Barbara Lewis will be in attendance to lay a wreath.

Brixham Remembrance Parade begins at 10.30am, assembling at the Man and Boy Statue, Kings Quay.

Part of Berry Head Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from 10am. 

Stagecoach will be offering free travel for all serving military, veterans and cadets on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. The offer applies to any serving personnel or cadet in uniform, those with a military ID card, and veteran wearing medals or veteran's badges attending Remembrance Services.