Island gathers to honour service and sacrifice this November

Communities across the Isle of Wight will come together this November to honour those who served and sacrificed, with a series of Remembrance events taking place across the Island.

The County Remembrance Service will take place in St Thomas Square, Newport, on Sunday 9 November, organised by the Isle of Wight Council's Civic Office in close collaboration with the Royal British Legion Newport and Carisbrooke Branch and Newport Minster.

This year the format for the morning has changed with attendees being asked to gather at the war memorial from 10.25am for a 10.45am start. A full marching parade will follow after the service. Anyone wishing to lay a wreath should arrive early and make themselves known to the parade marshal.

The service will include contributions from local clergy, cadets, Councillor Ian Dore (chair of Isle of Wight Council) and musicians, with wreaths laid by dignitaries including His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant Brigadier Maurice Sheen, the Island’s High Sheriff Jacqueline Gazzard, and Councillor Dore.

He said: “Remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about honouring the legacy of those who served by standing together today.

"I’m proud to see our Island community come together in reflection, respect and unity. These moments remind us of the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of those who gave everything for our freedom.”

Following the service, the parade will proceed through Newport town centre before returning to St Thomas Square. A QR code for the full programme will be available on the day.

Elsewhere, the Field of Remembrance at Carisbrooke Castle will be open from 10.30am on Thursday, 6 November, with a short service taking place at 10.50am.

Free parking is available, and visitors are welcome to plant a remembrance cross in the peaceful grounds of the historic site, with proceeds supporting the Royal British Legion.

In addition to these services, numerous Remembrance events will be held in towns and villages across the Isle of Wight, ensuring communities everywhere have the opportunity to pay their respects.

Other Remembrance services taking place across the Island, include:

Bembridge Parish Council

Sunday, 9 November, 10.45am, Bembridge War Memorial – An Act of Remembrance.

Tuesday, 11 November, 10.55am, Bembridge War Memorial, Remembrance Day ceremony

Nettlestone & Seaview Parish Council

10.50am St Peter's Church, Seaview

Cowes Town Council

There will be a service at the Cowes War Memorial in Northwood Park  at 10.45am followed by a Service of Remembrance in St Mary’s Church, Cowes.

Yarmouth Parade 

10.45am in The Square, Act of Remembrance. There will be a church service after in St James Church.

Freshwater 

Service at 10am, at All Saints, with wreath laying outside after with 2 mins silence.

Ryde

10am, Ryde School, service followed by Act of Remembrance at 11am at Lind Street Memorial.

Photo: Getty Images