Biggleswade to host one of Bedfordshire's biggest Remembrance parades

The parade will muster at 10.15am by the railway station and march down Saffron Road, into St Andrew's Street and then up the High Street – before a service will be held at the war memorial at 10.45am.

The ceremony will be conducted by the Rev Liz Oglesby-Elong and The Vice Lord Lieutenant will take the salute as the parade goes up the High Street.

An Armistice Day service will also take place at the Market Square on Wednesday, November 11, at 10.45am.

Terry Harragan, president of the Royal Artillery Association Biggleswade Branch and president of the Royal British Legion Biggleswade Branch, said: "We have got the Vice Lord Lieutenant coming this year and we are one of the biggest parades in Bedfordshire.

"We have got over 50 organisations involved and that totals in the region of 600 people.

"It is consistently supported well with an estimated 2,000 people around the Market Square and the Roll of Honour will be read by representatives from two schools in Biggleswade."

Terry was a gunner who spent 12 years in the Royal Artillery Herts and Beds Yeomanry (reserve) – and his battery in Luton took pride in winning The Queen's Cup 1969 for Reserve Artillery.

Since leaving the armed forces 10 years later, he has spent time working for the Royal British Legion on a voluntary basis.

Terry added: "It's a family, it's a military family, and once you are in the military they won't walk away.

"The organisations, both us [the RBL] and SAFFA all work to the same interests – to support veterans who have fallen on hard times or have been injured in service.

"Biggleswade is quite a military town – there’s a camaraderie."

Terry encourages anyone with a military background to come along to The Biggleswade and District Armed Forces and Veterans Club Drop In – who meet on Tuesdays from 10am until midday at Biggleswade Library. Contact Gill Hazelton.

There’s also the Biggleswade Armed Forces and Veterans Club Breakfast Club – who meet on the third Saturday of the month (venue to be confirmed). Contact Caroline Broadbent.

Talking about the pride in the town, he added: "Come down and soak up the atmosphere, and remember all those who are on that war memorial.

"It's something we have tried to encourage, to keep their memories alive – and there are conflicts going right up to the present day."

Mayor councillor Jonathan Woodhead concluded: "Remembrance Sunday is an important time of year as we recognise and remember those that fell in the course of war.

"This year saw the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme during World War One, with many people from the area killed or injured during the battle.

"It's also 25 years since 9/11 so we also remember more recent conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq – the outcomes of which still shape our world today.

"Do come and join us to commemorate those who fell and honour their sacrifice."