Ref. 73184-83VETERANS stood proudly in Swindon's town centre yesterday to honour men and women who died in conflict.

Dozens of veterans many dressed in black suits waited for their orders from the parade marshall.

Most came from the Swindon branches of veteran's societies, including the Royal Artillery Association, the Burma Star Association, and the Old Comrades Association.

They came together at Swindon's war memorial, near the Town Hall to mark all those from the town who died, not only in both World Wars, but other conflicts too.

Chaplain of the Swindon Branch of the Royal British Legion, Monsignor Richard Twomey read a short service and prayer.

A bugler played the Last Post, before veterans, carrying a simple wooden cross, each took their turn to place their cross into the cold-hardened turf, which had been placed near the war memorial.

Ken Jones, chairman of the Swindon branch of the Royal British Legion, explained the poignancy of the ceremony.

"This event simply opens the garden of remembrance and marks all those men and women who died in all wars who were from Swindon, so it is very important for all of us.

"The 11th of November is the day when everyone across the country remembers everyone in all the conflicts, not just those from this town."

Also present at the short ceremony was Swindon mayor, Coun Peter Stoddart who said: "I am a great supporter of these services, my family are from a military background.

"I did my two years of national service, so I try to attend as many events as I can, it's very important that we mark these events every year."

Coun Stoddart also told the Evening Advertiser that he was planning to go out on the streets this coming weekend to sell poppies.

On November 7 at 6.30pm, there will be a Festival Of Remembrance at the Wyvern Theatre in aid of the Poppy Appeal. Tickets are on sale, priced £7 from 01793 524481.

On November 11, at 11am Armistice Day there will be two minutes silence and on November 14, there will be an Remembrance Sunday parade at 10.15am, mustering from the Granville Street car park.

Anthony Osborme