Remembrance Sunday services honour the fallen in Mid Wales

Towns and villages across Mid Wales gathered on a bright, sunny November morning to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and have served the country.

In Llandrindod Wells the large parade left the RBL headquarters at 10:20 sharp and paraded up to town's cenotaph.

The service was taken by Reverend Tweed the RBL Branch Pardre and assisted by Reverend Pete Letson.

The Exhortation was read by Jeff Thomas, a RBL Branch committee member in Welsh and in English by Hamish Stonebridge RBL Branch Chairman. The standard bearer for the RBL branch was Rhodri Evans.

Wreaths were laid by the veterans, the Royal British Legion Club and Branch, Llandrindod Wells Town Council, Powys County Council, the fire service, young farmers, and there were many personal wreaths and many more.

After the service they then paraded back to the Club.

At the club everyone enjoyed singing from the Llandrindod Wells Community Children's Choir run by Mandy Davies. Then Llandrindod wells Silver Town band played, they had also played for the parade.

There was then an Auction run by the club/branch with many donations given from people and businesses of Llandrindod. There was a raffle, Poppy bingo and a card game to win a bottle of whiskey.

Some members of the branch and club, the Poppy appeal organiser, branch chairman, standard bearer and others then went to a service of remembrance at Crossgates Church. Their collection and Llanbister's service collection were given to poppy appeal.

A spokesperson said: “The club was busy until about 6 pm and we had fantastic support. Also after the parade there was a short service at the War Memorial within the hospital with standard etc.”

In Builth Wells about 150 attended a service at St Mary's Church before they then marched to the war memorial on the Groe for the Remembrance Sunday service.

The service there was led by Reverend Janet Day and Dr Adaline Bradshaw and it included a two minute silence, the exhortation and the Kohima epitaph and the playing of the Last Post.

The parade marshal was Jason Rawbone, Builth Wells Royal British Legion branch Secretary and Kevin Herbert, Vice Chairman of the Royal British Legion was the standard bearer.

The Last Post was played by bugle player Mr Ashley Clare and Mrs Doe Herbert read the roll of honour.

Various organisation then laid wreaths at the cenotaph including Builth Wells Town Council, The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, The Royal Regiment of Wales, The Royal Naval Association, Merchant Navy Association, Submarine Association, Royal Marines Association, RAOC Ex Boys Association, Royal Airforce Association, Army Cadets, Builth Wells Rotary Club, Builth Wells Royal British Legion, Builth Wells fire service, Dyfed Powys Police, Builth Wells Primary School, Llanelwedd Primary School, Ysgol Calon Cymru, Scouts Association, Builth Wells Young Farmers Club, several sporting clubs including the bowling club, running club, football club, cricket club, rugby club, motor club and golf club, Builth Wells and District Community Support, Brynhyfryd Nursing Home, Builth Fest Carnival, Freemasons, Builth Wells Heritage Society, Chamber of Trade, Ladies and Male Voice Choirs, Probus Club and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

After the service refreshments were served as usual at the Fountain Inn, which was paid for by the town council.

In Rhayader a large congregation gathered at the war memorial for a service.

The annual service brought together members of the local community, veterans, community organisations, local groups and representatives of Rhayader Town Council to pay their respects.

The service included the traditional two-minute silence and laying of wreaths, providing an opportunity for the community to reflect, remember and honour those who gave their lives in service of others.

Rhayader Mayor Councillor James Stuart laid a wreath on behalf of the town council, former County Councillor and town councillor David Evans laid a wreath on behalf of Rhayader County Councillor Angela Davies and there were wreaths from representatives from the churches, Rhayader guides and scouts, St John Ambulance, the fire service, Rhayader School, Young Farmers, the Women's Institute and members of the public.

The Mayor Councillor James Stuart said: “Today I had the honour and privilege of laying a wreath at the war memorial on behalf of the people of Rhayader and Cwmdauddwr. It was a moment to pause, reflect and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who have served and continue to serve. We will never forget their courage, bravery and sacrifice.”

Afterwards, there was a combined service of remembrance at St Clement's Church.