Weymouth Nothe Fort Remembrance Day service 2024

Nothe Fort held a Remembrance service earlier today to honour those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve freedom.

The annual service is held on the Saturday of Remembrance weekend in order to not clash with Weymouth's Remembrance Sunday parade. 

Dolphin Marching Band took part in the ceremony along with scouts and cadets (Image: Andy Jones) The fort was adorned with its sustainable poppy display for the second year running which is made from recycled plastic bottle bottoms.

The last post was performed and a canon fired before Weymouth mayor, Jon Orrell, spoke to the crowd.

He thanked the fort's tireless volunteers and staff and described the day as a 'moving experience,' with the Dolphin Marching Band also playing a rendition of God Save the King.

Crowds watching the service from seating outside the fort's cafe (Image: Andy Jones) Royal Navy reserve veteran Peter Allen was there with his wife Sharon with a stall which showcased the bravery of Royal Navy reservists who were sent to fight in the army during the first World War. 

He said: "When war was declared there were 30,000 reservists left over and were kicking their heels, so battalions were formed and they were sent to France and then Antwerp.

"This is my life's work and I do it to give them a voice and to promote the Royal Navy divisions in the war."

Royal Navy reserve veteran Peter Allen and his wife Sharon who volunteers at the fort (Image: Andy Jones) Peter was also pleased to see so many young people attend the service, he added: "I think it's brilliant. It warms the cockles of an old sailor to see the young people here as well."

One of those youngsters was Leo Baldwin, a ten-year-old boy from Weymouth who was at the fort with his dad Wayne. 

The two had been to Normandy for the 80th D-Day anniversary in June with Leo enjoying learning about the history and also pay respect to his grandfather.

Wayne and Leo Baldwin came to pay their respects at the service at Nothe Fort (Image: Andy Jones) Leo said: "I like it because my grandfather was in the Navy and they play the last post which was played at his funeral.

"It is a good way to remember and they use poppies because they grew in the fields during the First World War. 

As well as Leo, there was the 17th Bournemouth Scouts taking part in the ceremony.

Julie Godsby, left, with her 17th Bournemouth Scout Group which has played a key part in designing the sustainable poppy display (Image: Andy Jones) The group have been an integral part of the fort's poppy display which is the brain child of scout leader Julie Gadsby.

She said: "The display is like a sunrise, as I think every morning we need to remember the sacrifices given for us.

"With the older veterans getting older it is important for the younger generations and I feel it is important we remember."