by Lorraine Gibson.

‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.’
― Thomas Campbell
‘Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?’
― Terry Pratchett
Remembering someone who has died is our way of keeping their spirit alive. Not only is it how we honour them but it’s how we cope with our own grief, which never goes away, just gradually becomes a part of what we, who remain, become.
And commemorating those who die in the service of protecting us, our countries, indeed, our way of life, it is the ultimate demonstration not just of our gratitude but of our humanity.
Last week, in line with the rest of the country, Dorset’s towns fell silent and still to mark Armistice Day and to, in various ways, show respect for the fallen.
Ferndown U3A, top, displayed the stunning results of their community Poppy Cascade project. The endeavour brought together members who knitted, crocheted, painted and felted a veritable garden of poppies. U3A’s Anne Hutton said: “A huge thank-you to everyone who supported our Community Poppy Cascade by contributing around 1500 items.”
The exhibits can be seen again at U3A’s 25th Anniversary Afternoon Tea at the Barrington Centre, November 26.

In Ferndown: Two Ferndown stalwart veterans in full regalia proudly stood to attention by the splendid 3rd Dorset Home Guard Auxiliary Bomb Disposal display by Ferndown Royal British Legion for their Remembrance Service.
And residents at Amberwood House care home in Ferndown, main picture, spent two months preparing an exterior floral ‘waterfall’ made entirely from the ends of recycled plastic bottles, main picture.
Companionship team leader Kirsty Richmond-Cole said: “It soon became apparent that the residents were addicted to creating the poppies.
“The finished result was worth it and amazing.”

In Poole, the mayor observed the two-minute silence with a short service outside Beales in the Dolphin Shopping Centre with a Poole Sea Cadets bugler in attendance. The service of remembrance and parade were at the War Memorial, Poole Park and led by Poole Sea Cadets Marching Band. The Service was led by Reverend Reg Baldock, with music by the Poole Borough Band.

In Wimborne, above, a crowd of around 200 gathered for a service conducted by the Rector of Wimborne Minster, The Revd Canon Andrew Rowland.
Prayers were read by churchwarden Peter Cook and bugler Mark Adams sounded a poignant Last Post.
Two wreaths were laid, one by the Royal British Legion, the other by town mayor, Carol Butter and the exhortation was delivered by Mike Young of Wimborne’s RBL.

In Christchurch, Remembrance Services began with an early service at Purewell Cross War Memorial, then a procession, to the Priory Church.
A wreath-laying ceremony followed at the Garden of Remembrance, prior to the main Remembrance Service and two-minute silence. Afterwards, the procession moved along the High Street, past the Old Town Hall, where the High Sheriff of Dorset and Mayor of Christchurch received the salute.

Blandford Forum’s homage started with local school pupils gathering in the parish church to write down the names of family members or names from local war memorials before heading to St Peter and St Paul’s Church for the laying of crosses and two minutes’ silence.
A silence was also observed by Blandford Town Council and members of the public at the Corn Exchange where the parade and church service also saw people gather to watch the wreath laying at the war memorials with music from the Blandford Stour Valley Band.

Bournemouth’s annual service and parade at the War Memorial in the Central Gardens was led by the Salvation Army Band with the bugle playing alongside the Field Gun Display Team. It was led by Rev Dr Ian Terry, with music by the Salvation Army Boscombe and Bournemouth Combined Cadet Force Bands.