A pared down Remembrance Sunday civic ceremony and service was held at St Mary’s Church, Totnes under bright skies.

The town did not hold a parade again this year and uniformed organisations were restricted to a maximum of two official representatives at the service due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns.

Local people and VIP’s filled the churchyard and the high street outside for the service, which was led by the Rev Jim Barlow.

Rev Barlow said: “The annual remembrance event went well with a good number outdoors, even if down on usual due to Covid concerns. 

“This meant there was no street closure or parade and a reduced attendance of uniformed organisations. 

“The Last Post, two minute silence and wreath laying took place in bright autumn sunshine.”

Attending were town council representatives including Mayor Cllr Ben Piper and his consort Cllr Emily Price, deputy mayor Cllr Jacqi Hodgson and Cllrs Georgina Allan, Victoria Trow and Pip Payne.

Wreathes were laid by the mayor as well as representatives from the RAF, Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, Police, Fire Service, Anthony Mangnall MP, the Dartmouth-based Britannia Royal Naval College, and the town’s army and air force cadets.

The church grounds were adorned with handmade knitted poppies made by local residents.

Afterwards, a second service was held inside the church led by Rev Barlow with readings by young cadets.

Rev Barlow told the story of his grandfather, Jack, who served in both World Wars, and then reflected that the lifestyle sacrifices we may need to be made in relation to climate change will be far less than those made by the wartime generation – although the threat is equally acute.

Special services were also held on Remembrance Sunday in St John’s Church, Bridgetown and in churches in nearby villages including Cornworthy, Dartington, Marldon, Stoke Gabriel, Ashprington and Berry Pomeroy.