THE ARMED Forces Weekend celebrations in Newent were something to be remembered, as thoughts turned to the fallen, from a century of conflict.

Newent British Legion's concert took place at Newent Community School on Saturday June 28, and it was Newent's contribution to marking 100 years since the start of World War One.

The moving event was in front of an audience of more than 200, and the emphasis at the both the concert, and at the Civic Parade Service on Sunday, was to involve the youth of Newent.

Event spokesperson, photographer Colin Thomas said of the concert "Reminders of music and songs from that era was provided by the Newent Orchestra and the audience wholeheartedly joined in. Further music was provided by the Picklenash School Orchestra, the Newent Scottish Singers and the Newent Handbell Ringers.

"Extracts from war diaries were read out by members of the ATC, ATF and 1st Newent Scout Group, reminding the audience of what it must have been like at the trenches."

He added: "This was reinforced by an evocative audio visual presentation by Robin Lister of the Newent Photographic Society. His presentation kept the audience spellbound and reminded the audience of the grim reality of war and had many of the audience in tears at the end.

"The evening was rounded off with rousing renditions of Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem."

Sunday June 29 saw the Civic Parade Service at St Mary's Church Newent.

Children from Picklenash Junior School pinned red roses to a special commemorative board, as an act of remembrance.

The board named soldiers from Newent who lost their lives during World War One.