The 2007 Devon Festival of Remembrance will be held at the The Great Hall, University of Exeter on Thursday 8th November. Starting at 7.30pm, the Festival features the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines from the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.

In addition to remembering the fallen of the two World Wars and other trouble spots of the 20th Century, this year’s Festival will also focus on the sacrifices of Britain’s Armed Forces in conflicts around the world during the past twenty five years. These include the Falkland Islands War, Northern Ireland, the Gulf War of 1991 and more recently the Balkans, Sierra Leone and the present operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is particularly apt, therefore, that the guest speaker will be Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, a former Chief of the Air Staff. During the Falklands War, he commanded No. 1 Squadron RAF, whose Harriers played such a prominent part in the success of that campaign.

The evening will include the traditional Muster of Standards of Legion Branches from Devon together with representatives of the Armed Forces, youth movements and the Emergency Services. There will also be light entertainment and the event will close with the solemn Service of Remembrance.

Tickets can be ordered at the Okehampton Branch and Social Club in Station Road, price £6 for member, £8 for non-members. A coach has been arranged, departing More’s News Agency, Fore Street, Okehampton at 6pm on the night.

Orders for tickets and coach seats must be registered by no later Friday 21st September. Call the Branch Secretary for further details on 01837 840757.