ALL those who took part in Remembrance services in Watchet this year have been thanked by the town’s Royal British Legion chairman Martin Brake.

Both the Remembrance Sunday parade and the Armistice Day service were affected by the inclement weather which affected West Somerset ahead of the arrival of Storm Claudia.

Mr Brake said: “It was a fantastic turnout by all the community groups in the town considering the poor weather, with the parade 300 strong.

“I would personally like to thank all the youth groups that took part, the West Somerset Brass Band, and Deacon Vincent Woods for leading the church service and act of Remembrance, on a special day where Watchet as a whole join together to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Bugler Alan Radford plays 'Last Post' at Watchet War Memorial.
Bugler Alan Radford plays 'Last Post' at Watchet War Memorial. (Contributed)

Claire Whitworth, Amy Pocock, and Alan Radford, who each play in the West Somerset Brass Band, played the ‘Last Post’ for services across the local area.

Beacon Education Trust saw each of its West Somerset schools and nurseries commemorate Remembrance Day.

It was an opportunity for staff, children, and students to pause, reflect, and remember those who fought in the two world wars, as well other past conflicts, and the conflicts which are still happening today.

Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer at the war memorial on North Hill with pupils and staff from the town's two first schools and middle school.
Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer at the war memorial on North Hill with pupils and staff from the town's two first schools and middle school. (Beacon Education)

The Rev Michelle Butcher led a whole school assembly in Minehead First School while the Rev Mark Phillips led a joint collective worship in St Peter’s First School and Pre-School.

The assembly in Minehead Middle School was taken by head of humanities Rebecca Orpin, together with the Rev Philip Butcher.

Pupils heard the stories of incredible individuals, including Lilian Bader, and of the evacuees who were sent to Minehead during World War Two.

The moving assembly finished with prayers and the thought-provoking message of ‘Remember Yesterday, Act Today’.

Minehead Middle School pupils who serve with local clubs and cadets took part in acts of Remembrance.
Minehead Middle School pupils who serve with local clubs and cadets took part in acts of Remembrance. (Beacon Education)

Headteacher Laura Mackie said: “It was a privilege to join our students in remembering those who gave so much.

“Their reflections showed real understanding and empathy.

“Bringing together stories from around the world and from Minehead reminds us that Remembrance is both global and deeply personal.”

In Danesfield Middle School, the local cadets, along with members of the community joined students and staff for a Remembrance service.

Children attending King Edward Nursery, Minehead, watched a CBeebies animated film about World War One poppy fields as part of this year's Remembrance observance.
Children attending King Edward Nursery, Minehead, watched a CBeebies animated film about World War One poppy fields as part of this year's Remembrance observance. (Beacon Education)

Tributes were paid to the courage and sacrifice of Servicemen and women throughout history and those who continue to serve.

Headteacher Jo Smith said: “It is vital that our children understand the significance of Remembrance Day and the values it represents.

“Our service was a powerful reminder of the bravery and selflessness of those who have defended our country.”

The Armistice Day 11 am two-minute silence was also observed across all the trust’s nurseries and schools.

Young pupils creating Remembrance artwork as Beacon Education Trust schools and pre-schools took part in this year's activities.
Young pupils creating Remembrance artwork as Beacon Education Trust schools and pre-schools took part in this year's activities. (Beacon Education)

St Michael’s First School saw the entire school community gathered in the playground to mark the silence, as happened in Minehead Middle, Minehead First, and Old Cleeve First School.

While the youngest children in King Edward Nursery watched the beautiful and poignant CBeebies animation ‘Poppies’, showing the story of the World War One poppy fields through the eyes of a young rabbit.

The children and students across Beacon Education Trust used the creative arts to commemorate the day by creating their own poppies, wreaths, and poems.

Children in St Peter’s Pre-School created their own poppy artwork and the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, providing the inspiration for year four pupils in St Peter’s First School to create their own watercolour paintings.

Some of the Remembrance artwork created by children in St Peter's Pre-school, Williton.
Some of the Remembrance artwork created by children in St Peter's Pre-school, Williton. (Beacon Education)

St Michael’s First School pupils learned why the poppy is a symbol of Remembrance and the year two class in Minehead First School visited the war memorial in Martlett Road, Minehead.

Old Cleeve First School used music to remember, with the children listening to the ‘Last Post’ song and the wartime classic ‘We’ll Meet Again’, by Vera Lynn.

Headteacher Maida White said: “Remembrance is an important time for reflection and gratitude.

“These creative activities and our collective worship gave pupils a meaningful way to understand the sacrifices made by others and to express their respect through art, words, and prayer.

Some of the pupils of Minehead's first schools attending the town's war memorial for this year's Remembrance events.
Some of the pupils of Minehead's first schools attending the town's war memorial for this year's Remembrance events. (Bacon Education)

“It was wonderful to see their thoughtfulness and enthusiasm shine through.”

The head and deputy head students from Minehead Middle School, along with the heads of houses from Minehead First School and St Michael’s First School were invited by Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer to attend the war memorial on North Hill to lay a wreath and observe the two minutes’ silence.

One middle school head student said: “Laying the wreath was an honour.

“It felt important to represent our school and show our respect for those who served.”

The event at the war memorial and those which took place in the trust’s schools and nurseries reflected the strong sense of unity, respect, and compassion across the schools and the wider community.