Beth Wyatt

The festive season is a hectic time for many, with frenzied dashes to the shops for groceries and gifts, and parties to arrange and attend.

It’s Friday and that can only mean one thing – it’s quiz of the week time.

An amateur painter with a penchant for “bleak” scenes has seen off competition from professional artists to reach the semi-final of a television contest.

From veterans to Brownies and college students, well-wishers from all walks of life gathered in Elm Park this morning to honour soldiers of the past and present.

“I’ve had a wonderful life,” remarks Stanley Silburn, as he reflects on 94 years of memories.

Leonard Trimmer was one of many young men to directly experience the dark days of the First World War.

Mick Mellor is one of the Elm Park Royal British Legion’s valued collectors.

Remembrance commemorations have been a national fixture for almost 100 years, and each new generation has carried the torch to ensure their messages are not forgotten.

When the Poppy Appeal reaches its zenith around Remembrance Sunday, you may be under the impression that following its conclusion Royal British Legions can put away their boxes and collection tins, and pick them all up again 12 months later.

Soldiers past and present will be in the community’s thoughts next weekend, as a number of services are held to mark Remembrance Day.