Agenda item

Members received the report in the circulated reports pack, containing the proposed arrangements for the Town Council’s Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day commemorations for 2026–27.

Members considered the arrangements for civic photography. During the discussion, the Chairman advised that, following the purchase of suitable photographic equipment and the successful in-house photography undertaken at the recent Mayor Making ceremony, he did not consider it necessary to appoint a professional photographer at this time.

Members referred to the Civic Handbook and agreed that a minor amendment be made to reflect that photographs may be taken in-house, subject to officer capacity and availability.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED:

1.         To approve the Civic Party will assemble at St Stephen-by-Saltash Church, at approximately 9.45am for 10am service, followed by the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 11am, including the laying of the Town Council wreath (by invitation from The Reverend Laura Bushell Hawke);

2.         To approve the Mayor and Mayoress on behalf of the Town Council will lay wreaths at the Waterside, Saltash Railway Station, and the Memorial Peace Garden to symbolise remembrance and gratitude, supported by the Civic Party, and Councillors, who are welcome to attend;

3.         To approve the Saltash Town Council Remembrance Civic Service be held at Wesley Church, commencing at 2pm;

4.         To approve the Reading of the Roll of Honour will take place as part of the service at 2pm to be held within the Wesley Church;

5.         To approve the Remembrance Parade supported by the Royal British Legion, to form outside Wesley Church and proceed down Fore Street at approximately 3pm to the War Memorial at St Nicholas and St Faith Church for wreath laying;

6.         To approve the Parade Marshall role be undertaken by the Town Crier who will form up and start the parade using the Royal British Legion Recommended Orders of Precedence;

7.         To appoint Company A to deliver the road closure at a cost of £1,581.95 and approve the submission of the road closure application by 17 August 2026;

8.         To approve the appointment of the Town Band to lead the parade and play during the wreath-laying at the War Memorial, St Nicholas and St Faith Church, at a cost of £400;

9.         To appoint an external PA company to assist with outdoor acoustics, should no suitable in-house provision be available, at a cost of £400;

10.      To approve the additional hours and payment for Officer and Civic Party members, as appropriate for both Remembrance and Armistice Day;

11.      To approve the Town Crier, assisted by Officers, to use the Royal British Legion Recommended Orders of Precedence for the wreath laying at the War Memorial at St Nicholas and St Faith Church. Noting that everyone who has a wreath will be given the opportunity to lay it at the War Memorial;

12.      To provide light refreshments following the event at the Guildhall;

13.      To approve the Communications and Engagement Officer to take photos at both the Town Council’s Remembrance Civic Service and Armistice Day, amending the Civic Handbook to reflect that photographs may be taken in-house, subject to officer capacity and availability;

14.      To approve (subject to invitation) for the Mayor and Consort to participate in the GWR poppies to Paddington event by handing over the Town Council wreath to the GWR Train Manager. The wreath will be carried with dignity to Paddington Station, where it will be ceremoniously placed at the War Memorial on Platform 1, alongside others from across the GWR network;

15.      To approve the Civic Party attend the two minutes silence outside of the Brunel Inn at 11am at Saltash Royal British Legion’s noting that both Members and staff will be invited to attend;

16.      To delegate responsibility to the Chairman of the Town Council, working with the Mayor’s Secretary, to organise suitable participation in the Lamp Light of Peace, in a manner that aligns with the Town Council’s schedule on Armistace Day.

17.      To approve all associated costs, for both Remembrance and Armistice Day be allocated to Budget Code 6202 – Civic Occasions.