RESIDENTS in West Somerset’s towns and villages fell silent for two minutes at 11 am on Armistice Day (November 11) as short services followed those held across the district on Remembrance Sunday.

In Minehead, local councillors and Royal British Legion members were joined by the public to respect a two-minute silence around the war memorial on North Hill, in Martlett Road.

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A drumhead service was held by Minehead's Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club in Wellington Square on Remembrance Sunday morning. PHOTO: Peter Mather.

It was a scene repeated in Watchet, Williton, Porlock, Dulverton, and many other communities large and small as the sacrifices made by those who served in conflicts around the world were remembered.

A drumhead service was held in Minehead’s Wellington Square on Sunday morning by the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club followed later in the day by services at Alcombe war memorial, in Manor Road, and on North Hill.

The West Somerset Brass Band led a parade through Watchet n Remembrance Sunday before a service in the Methodist Church. PHOTO: Michael Butcher.
The West Somerset Brass Band led a parade through Watchet n Remembrance Sunday before a service in the Methodist Church. PHOTO: Michael Butcher. ( )

A Remembrance Sunday service in Minehead Baptist Church led by minister the Rev Paul McCabe was later made available as a podcast via he church’s website.

In Watchet, about 300 people took part in a Remembrance Sunday parade through the town led by the West Somerset Brass Band, followed by a service in the Methodist Church.

Principal cornet Claire Whitworth played the Last Post during the ceremony, and on Monday, first cornet Alan Radford performed it for the town’s wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial.

Minehead Middle School pupils Polly Pyburn, Tom Ellicott, Isobel Sheasby, and Ben Cobb lay a wreath at the war memorial on North Hill on Armistice Day. PHOTO: George Ody.
Minehead Middle School pupils Polly Pyburn, Tom Ellicott, Isobel Sheasby, and Ben Cobb lay a wreath at the war memorial on North Hill on Armistice Day. PHOTO: George Ody. ( )

Watchet Royal British Legion’s Fred Powis said: “It was a tremendous show of respect from everybody in the community, from our youth groups to local organisations, veterans, and the many residents who joined us.

“We are grateful to the West Somerset Brass Band for their performances and to Deacon Vincent Woods for leading the service at both the church and war memorial.

“On days like this, Watchet truly comes together to honour those who served their country.”

Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer led an Armistice Day two-minute silence at the North Hill war memorial. PHOTO: George Ody.
Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer led an Armistice Day two-minute silence at the North Hill war memorial. PHOTO: George Ody. ( )

On Saturday, a Royal British Legion concert in Williton Pavilion featured a performance by The Military Wives Choir.

The Rev Mark Phillips then led a ‘Williton Remembers’ service at the war memorial in Williton Recreation Ground on Armistice Day.

Services on Sunday also took place in churches throughout West Somerset, while on Armistice Day many schools also held acts of Remembrance with their pupils.