Remembrance

An excellent crowd gathered around the Nicholson Memorial for this morning's Remembrance ceremony, the town centre falling almost silent as the clock tower bells struck eleven o'clock and the bugles sounded.
There seemed to be more organisations than ever taking part - how good to see our twin town friends from Este present (the Mayor laid a wreath and a uniformed contingent joined in the parade), and how heartening to see so many town schools represented.
With the current heart-searching over our role in Afghanistan and the loss of life over there - is it really worth it for the safety of our nation? - the occasion was as much an opportunity to think about the present as well as a time reflect of the sacrifice on past conflicts. The Monument's meaning in town life is just as strong, ninety years after the Great War battles that are recorded on its Portland Stone.