Next Sunday, (7th November), in common with so many towns, villages across the UK, we see a gathering of residents to pay respects for all those who sacrificed so much so that we can live in a free democracy today.

My home town always sees a great turn out and we must thank the British Legion and all the helpers who put on the very well organised event each year, the collectors, as well as the reminders that spring up all around the town.

I always imagined that, as I got older, the world would become a more civilised place with far fewer conflicts. In fact, it seems to be an ever more dangerous place with much of Europe threatened with the ravages of war. I do hope that common sense prevails. An annual reminder of what war actually involves is no bad thing.