COMMUNITIES across Dorset will fall silent to honour the war dead as Remembrance Sunday is marked this weekend.

Parades and touching services are planned for Sunday, November 10, with a number of road closures in place to allow events to take place.

Residents are invited to attend and remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have and continue to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life. 

(Image: Finnbarr Webster) Weymouth:

Weymouth's Remembrance service is the biggest in the area and will be starting at the cenotaph on the seafront opposite the Hotel Prince Regent from 10.55am.

At 11am, members of the Nothe Fort Garrison will fire the first cannon from the beach, signalling the start of the two-minute silence, followed by a second at 11.02am to mark the end.

There will be a wreath laying service followed by a parade along the Esplanade to the US Memorial Service where a short wreath laying ceremony will also take place.  

(Image: Finnbarr Webster) Mayor of Weymouth Jon Orrell said: “I will join representatives from our Armed Forces for a service of remembrance at Weymouth cenotaph on the Esplanade where I will lay a wreath on behalf of the town. The poignant service on Remembrance Sunday is usually very well attended due to Weymouth’s rich military history. Anyone who would like to join us should gather at the cenotaph in good time for the service at 11am.”

On the day, there will be free parking in Dorset Council operated car parks including The Swannery, Melcombe Regis and Park Street to support this event.

(Image: Finnbarr Webster) Parking Prohibition

Between 9pm on Saturday, November 9 and approximately 12pm on Sunday, November 10, no parking will be permitted at the following locations which form the service and route of the parade, its assembly and dispersal points.

The Esplanade – both sides between King Street and Lennox Street, parking bays in Astrid Way, the parking area by the Pier Bandstand and the loading bay adjacent to Enzo’s Restaurant.

“No Waiting” cones will be placed at these locations on Saturday afternoon and drivers are advised not to park there.

Traffic Diversions

The Esplanade from William Street to King Street will be closed to traffic from 10am until approximately 12pm on Sunday.

Further traffic diversions will also be in effect from 12pm until approximately 12.30pm on the Esplanade between King Street and the King's Statue. Diversion signs will be place.

Portland: 

Portland will see its Service of Remembrance start at the cenotaph off Yeates Road at 10.55am.

(Image: Roger Sutherland)This will be followed by a short Service of Remembrance at the American Memorial, in Victoria Gardens, starting at 12.20pm.

Dorchester:

Dorchester's service will start at 10.55am at the war memorial at the end of South Street, followed by a parade. 

Highlights will include a reading by the mayor, a performance of “The Last Post” by a young student, and the laying of wreaths by community groups and organisations.

The service will conclude with prayers, a blessing, and the National Anthem.

Bridport: 

Bridport's service will feature Brigadier John Dean, Bridport Team Ministry and a range of forces, community groups, and volunteers.

(Image: Graham Hunt) It will start at East Street at approximately 10.40am. The mayor will then lead the parade, and the traditional two-minute silence at the war memorial which will be followed by a wreath-laying, along with the Mayor’s address and the Service of Remembrance in St Mary’s Church.

Lyme Regis:

In Lyme Regis the mayor, Philip Evans will be leading the parade.

It will start at the Jubilee Pavilion at 9.45am and from there will proceed along Marine Parade, Bridge Street and Church Street to St Michael's Church for a special service which starts at 10am.

The procession will then gather at the clock tower at 10.50am ready for a poignant two-minute silence at 11am.

Beaminster: 

Beaminster's Remembrance Sunday parade and service will take place later than most events with a parade at 2.30pm.

(Image: Graham Hunt) The parade will be led by HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band and after the parade, there will be a church service at St Mary’s Church, followed by tea, cake and a raffle all in aid of The Poppy Appeal.

Charmouth:

Charmouth’s Remembrance Parade will include a road closure in place between the Higher Sea Lane junction and the church from 10.20am - 11am.

The parade will leave the Charmouth House Car Park at 10.35am and march to the war memorial for a wreath-laying and a short service, before continuing to the church for the main Service of Remembrance at around 11am.