Remembrance services saw record crowds return following the Covid restrictions imposed on last year’s event.

Monmouth’s parade enjoyed bright Autumn sunshine and a well-organised parade of veterans, serving members of the armed forces, army and navy cadets, civic leaders, police and fire services, along with scouts guides brownies and cubs arrived in St James’ Square for a service to remember all those who lost their lives in conflicts.Led by Standards of the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association and the Royal Engineers Association, the column solemnly took its place around the square ready for the annual Remembrance Service.Taking part in the parade was Owen Morgan, a Lance-Corporal with the Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers who served in Malaya between 1950-52. Veteran Sid Robling from the Rhondda Valley came to see his cadet granddaughter in the parade. He served with the Welch Regiment in the New Territories at Fanling.The service in the square was led by Rev Bethany Willers and supported by Rev Jonathan Greaves and others.This year, pupils from Monmouth’s Haberdashers Schools played a larger part with Ffion Sheppard, a Y12 pupil with Monmouth School for Girls saying the Act of Remembrance and the Kohima Epitaph was spoken by Teilo Rees, a Year 8 pupil from Monmouth School for Boys.The Last Post and Reveille was played by Jack Guerin, also a MSB pupil.The two minute silence was followed by a wreath laying ceremony, which preceded a service at St Mary’s Priory Church.