Remembrance ceremonies and services are due to take place across Torbay on Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November, and Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, 2023.
Remembrance is an opportunity for people from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds to join together and remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community of the UK and Commonwealth, past and present.
To ensure Remembrance Sunday can be safe and secure for all, Torbay Council is working closely with the Police on appropriate road closures.
Cllr Mark Spacagna, the Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay, said: “Remembrance is a time for our communities to come together and show our respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars and in more recent conflicts.
“It also is an opportunity to show our appreciation of the work that our Armed Forces carry out today to keep us safe, and their involvement in peacekeeping and disaster relief around the globe. Please come along and join us, if you are able to do so.”
Cllr Hayley Tranter, Armed Forces Champion for Torbay Council, said: “So many have lost their lives on active service so we can continue to live in peace and freedom, from the First World War right up to the present day.
“I would urge you to attend a Remembrance event and observe the two minutes’ silence as a mark of respect to remember this sacrifice, to remember all those who have served and their families, and also to give thanks for the vital work of our current Armed Forces.
“I encourage you to buy a poppy and wear it with pride, as this supports the important work of the Royal British Legion for the Armed Forces community, from currently serving members to veterans and their families.”
Armistice Day was established as a Day of Remembrance for those who died in the First World War, which ended at 11am on 11 November 1918. Remembrance events are organised by the Royal British Legion, a charity which supports the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel to veterans and their families.
Remembrance events:
-Torquay
Saturday 11 November
10.58am: Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, Princess Gardens.
Royal British Legion Parade of Standards. Last Post followed by two minutes’ silence at 11am and a short service. To be attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. More details of his visit to Devon are available from the Exeter Diocese.
Sunday 12 November
10.45am: Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph, Princess Gardens.
A parade to the Cenotaph will be followed by the traditional two minutes’ silence at 11am, then a short service and the laying of wreaths.
It has been requested that the whole of the seafront area is closed before, during and after the service, for public safety reasons.
Road closures: Torbay Road will be closed between the Belgrave Road junction with Abbey Crescent and Cary Parade (Torquay Pavilion) from 9am to 2pm. Diversion routes will be in place.
Parking restrictions: Parking will be suspended on Torbay Road, in both directions, from 1am to 2pm. Please ensure no vehicles remain there during this period. We aim to reopen the highway as soon as possible after the ceremony.
Pedestrian access will be permitted during the closure times with drop off points for disabled and elderly attendees at Torquay Pavilion via the diversion routes.
Parking will be available at the following car parks:
§ Lower Union Lane
§ Shedden Hill
§ The Terrace
-Paignton
Saturday 11 November
10.45am for 11am: Act of Remembrance at Paignton War Memorial, Palace Avenue Gardens, with two minutes’ Silence at 11am followed by a simple wreath service.
Sunday 12 November
10.15am: Morning Church Service at Paignton Parish Church.
3pm: Afternoon Wreath-laying Service at War Memorial, Palace Avenue Gardens. A short service, including two minutes’ silence, and wreath-laying.
Road closures: Coverdale Road between its junctions with Bishops Place and Palace Avenue, and Palace Avenue between the Palace Avenue Theatre to its junction with Totnes Road/Torquay Road, will be closed from 2.30pm to 5pm.
Parking restrictions: Parking within the closure areas of Coverdale Road and Palace Avenue noted above is suspended from 2pm to 5pm.
-Brixham
Sunday 12 November
10.55am: Brixham Branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding a service at the War Memorial, Berry Head Road, including a wreath-laying ceremony. Parade starts at 10.40am at the Kings Quay / Southern Quay. The parade will be returning to town via King Street and Fore Street by 12pm.
Road closure: Berry Head Road from the War Memorial to Churchill Gardens will be closed from 10am to 12pm.
Parking restrictions: Parking within the Berry Head Road closure area noted above is suspended from 10am to 12pm.
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