Service to mark the centenary of the war

The Biggleswade branch of the Royal British Legion has teamed up with Biggleswade Town Council to organise the commemoration service at 11am in the market square.

Invitations have gone out to around 55 local organisations that attend the annual Remembrance Day parade, and it is hoped that the special service will replicate the success of that event.

Last year around 3,000 people attended the Remembrance Day service.

Local dignitaries set to attend the event include the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Robert Lovesey and the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Colin Osborn.

And there will also be a special appearance by a representatives from the Royal Chelsea Pensioners, who will be wearing their distinctive traditional red coats.

During the event there will be a collection for the Royal British Legion.

And a limited edition mug has also been produced to mark the centenary.

Town councillor and Royal British Legion branch president George Wilson said: “World War One was dubbed the war to end all wars. It had a profound impact on the history of the United Kingdom and the whole world.

“The lost generation sacrified for a cause that, in hindsight, is difficult to pinpoint.

“Although the last human witnesses are no longer with us, the First World War remains etched in the collective memory of our nation.”

The Royal British Legion spends around £1.4million a week delivering health and welfare support to the young and old, and their families.

Councillor Wilson added: “The legion needs your help, either as a member or a volunteer. Anyone can be a member, ex-service or not.

“You don’t have to be a member to receive assistance, but you must be an ex-service person or a dependant.

“I should also like to add that on Saturday, September 20 the Biggleswade branch will be in attendance at St Andrew’s Country Fayre.

“On this day and the following day – the centenary service – we will be selling Royal British Legion goods plus a special limited edition World War One commemorative bone china mug.”

Only 1,000 of the mugs have been produced.

For more information about the Country Fayre at St Andrew’s see page 11.