Bristol cemetery hosts over 200 people at annual memorial service

Bristol Memorial Woodlands has hosted more than 200 people at the annual service of remembrance near Alveston to honour fallen service personnel. 

It comes as the event at the woodland burial ground has become a focal point for the region’s acts of remembrance. 

Representatives from the armed services, emergency services, schools and veteran organisations laid wreaths at the independent cemetery.

Padre Major Andy Latifa conducted the service in the on-site chapel, with more than 50 people using an overflow marquee where audio was relayed by speakers.

Managing director David Rae opened the service, which also featured a Bible reading from the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol Peaches Golding.

Standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and other veteran groups led attendees on a parade to the war memorial located within the woodlands.

The act of remembrance at the stone included the Last Post, a two-minute silence and the Reveille played by a Ghurka bugler.

Former Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Janet Trotter also attended the service to represent the Gloucestershire Lieutenancy. Both Trotter and Golding laid wreaths at the commemoration stone.

Founder Chris Baker initially started the annual event to honour service men and women who fell in the 21st Century, but veterans from conflicts dating back to the Second World War now also use the venue.

Rae said: “It was fantastic to see such an amazing attendance this year – more than ever before. A short, sharp storm just before the event cleared perfectly for the outdoor elements. It was good to see so many veterans with their medals, mixing with those currently in uniform and representatives of the local community including police, fire brigade, ambulance service and schools.”