Torbay Council honours Armed Forces on Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday gives us an opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of generations who answered the call of duty, in difficult circumstances. It is also a time to think about those who continue to serve today, protecting our country and helping to keep us safe, sometimes at considerable personal risk.

I wanted to use this week’s Leader’s Column not only to highlight the Remembrance services taking place across Torbay, but also to share the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community.

On Sunday 8 November, residents across the bay can come together for Remembrance Sunday commemorations, followed by Armistice Day on Wednesday 11 November. When the guns fell silent at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the First World War finally came to an end. A promise was made that those who had given their lives would never be forgotten. More than a century later, we continue to honour that promise.

Here in Torbay, we have a proud military history and strong connections with our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Our Remembrance services bring together people of different generations and backgrounds, united in respect for those who have served.

In Torquay, the Civic Remembrance Parade will leave Vaughan Parade at 10.50am on Sunday 8 November, making its way to the Cenotaph in Princess Gardens. The traditional two minutes’ silence will take place at 11am, followed by wreath laying and a service attended by veterans, serving personnel, cadets and local dignitaries, including our Mayor, Councillor Hazel Foster.

In Paignton, a church service will be held at Paignton Parish Church at 10am, followed by wreath laying at the War Memorial in Palace Avenue Gardens at 3pm. This is always a moving occasion, with local organisations and residents coming together to pay their respects.

Meanwhile, in Brixham, the Remembrance Parade will assemble at Kings Quay and Southern Quay before setting off at approximately 10.40am. The service will take place at Berry Head Road at 10.58am, before the parade continues to Fore Street. Following the main service, Brixham will hold its traditional ceremony on the water, remembering those who lost their lives at sea. This is a fitting tribute for a town with such strong maritime traditions.

There will also be a Festival of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church in Brixham at 7pm on Wednesday 4 November, featuring musicians, choirs and young people.

On Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November, further services will take place across the Bay. In Torquay, these include services outside the Town Hall and St Marychurch War Memorial at 11am, St Mark’s Road at 1pm, and a Festival of Remembrance at Central Church at 7.30pm.

Paignton will observe the traditional two minutes’ silence at its War Memorial at 11am, while a further service will take place at Churston War Memorial at 10.55am.

I would encourage everyone who can to attend one of these services. Whether you have a personal connection to the Armed Forces or simply wish to show your respect, your presence makes a difference.

Of course, remembering those who served is only part of our responsibility. We must also ensure that those who serve today, alongside our veterans and their families, receive the recognition and support they deserve.

That is why I was proud earlier this year when Torbay Council received the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.

This is the highest national recognition for organisations demonstrating exceptional support for the Armed Forces community, and Torbay Council was one of just 162 employers across the United Kingdom to receive the award in 2026.

The award recognises our commitment to veterans, Reservists, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers through employment opportunities, additional paid leave and policies recognising the challenges faced by those connected with military service.

We renewed our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant in March 2023 and received the Silver Award in October last year. Achieving Gold is something everyone involved can take pride in.

However, what matters most is not the award itself, but the difference our support makes to people who have given so much in service to our country.

For anyone looking for advice or support, I would encourage you to visit the Armed Forces Community pages on the Torbay Council website, where further information is available.

Finally, as we approach Remembrance Sunday, please consider buying and wearing a poppy. The Royal British Legion does tremendous work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families, and every contribution helps them continue that vital work.

Wear your poppy with pride, take a moment to remember, and if you can, join your local community at one of our Remembrance services.

We will remember them.