Staffordshire Police

Remembrance event in Cannock

Cannock police officers are working with local veterans associations and the Royal British legion to organise an event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Royal British Legion’s day of Remembrance.

Residents are invited to attend the event, which will be held in the town centre, between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 10 November, and will end with the traditional service of remembrance from 10am to 11am on Sunday 11 November.

Special Sgt Rob Taylor has arranged for the standing of a Guard of Honour. The guard will be made up of members of the local veterans’ associations, youth organisations, the military unit and members of the emergency services.

The weekend will be launched at 10am on Saturday 10 November with a parade from Cannock leisure centre to the town centre cenotaph and the standing of the first guard.

The guard will stand at the cenotaph in Cannock town centre and will change every hour.

At 11am there will be a two-minute silence, followed by the sounding of the last post. The day will end at 5pm, with prayers and a final sounding of the last post.

Over the weekend there will be a variety of displays, including:

• the Staffordshire Regiment Association regimental mascot with a display of old weapons
• Royal Engineers association
• Royal Air Force association
• music from the Salvation Army on Saturday morning
• a local school choir on Saturday
• performances by local bands and choirs
• a military bugler playing the reveille and last post
• 116 RMP weapons stand and recruitment
• Royal Navy Reserve stand and recruitment
• Mercian Regiment stand and recruitment
• Royal engineers stand and recruitment
• vintage military vehicles
• Staffordshire Police Special constabulary marking 181 years of the role nationally with a ‘’cuppa with a copper’’
• Staffordshire Police Armed Response team
• Staffordshire Police Dog Support Unit
• sale of Royal British Legion items
• tea-lights for sale for candle light vigil as dedication to fallen service men and women (all proceeds to veteran charities)
• a hog roast
• belly dancers
• children’s rides.

Special Sgt Taylor said: “This weekend has been organised to pay tribute to our service men and women, past and present, and we welcome everyone to join us and show their support.

“This is a really worthwhile event, there will be something for all the family and all proceeds raised will go to veteran charities.

“People can also drop off items for our troops – some of them don’t have any family so they really appreciate receiving a pack and a note wishing them well.”

There will be a collection point at the cenotaph between 10am and 5pm on Saturday for people to hand in comfort packs for the troops.

Packs for men and women are welcome, these should be an A4 size envelope or jiffy bag and can contain any of the below non-perishable items:

• toothpaste and toothbrushes
• soap
• wet wipes
• roll-on deodorant
• shower gel
• tissues
• boiled sweets
• chewing gum
• biscuits
• pot noodle-type meals
• playing cards and travel games.

Anyone who would like more information on this event, or any organisations that wish to participate, can contact Special Sgt Rob Taylor at Staffordshire Police on 101 ext 2330 or 07976648090.