Remembrance services across the Dispatch district

Bulwell’s procession starts at 10.30 am and the route is along Highbury Road to St Mary’s Church.

The parade, which will be led by the Nottinghamshire Police Pipe Band, starts from the Oakleigh Lodge Social Club, which is the headquarters of the Old Basford branch of the Royal British Legion.

Members of the Bulwell RBL branch will join in as the parade passes Highbury Hospital.

The traditional poppy wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the war memorial outside St Mary’s and will be followed by a service inside the church.

Both the Legion branches report that the annual Poppy Appeal has been well supported so far, even though there is not so much money about because of the economic downturn.

The Old Basford branch chairman, Horace Hodgson, said it had raised £2,900 at a local Sainsburys superstore last year and it was hoped a similar amount would be forthcoming this time round.

The Bulwell branch poppy organiser, Ron Hickling, said its sales points this year had included Tesco, Morrisons, Wilkinsons and Aldi superstores.

“We have had excellent support from volunteers,” said Ron. “Members of the Bulwell Army Cadet Force have also been very helpful once again.”

Both branches are hoping for generous support from the public this weekend to ensure a successful local response to the appeal.

A special event to mark the appeal took place in the community room at Duchess Gardens, Bulwell.

“A sing-song session was organised and a buffet was laid on,” said Ron. “A raffle was organised and the event proved a very enjoyable occasion.”

Bulwell branch members have been visiting local schools to speak about the meaning and importance of the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Day.

Meanwhile in Hucknall, the parade will meet at the Market Square at 10.20am where it will head towards the war memorial at Titchfield Park where the service will be led by Revd Canon Kathryn Herrod.

Many community groups are expected to attend including the uniformed groups, Royal British Legion and music will be provided by Newstead Brass Band.

“We always get an excellent turn-out by the community who wish to pay their respects and recognise those who have served and continue to serve in wars and conflicts around the world,” said Rev Herrod. “I hope we attract good support again.”

An evening service of remembrance will also be held at St Mary Magdalene Church at 6pm.

In other areas, Papplewick and Linby will be holding a service at St Michael’s Church at Linby at 10.45am.

Bestwood St Mark’s Church will be holding a memorial service on 1st December at 6pm entitled Darkness to Light.