A SPECIAL service to remember those who have lost their lives in wars will be held this Sunday.

Reverend Kelvin Taylor, the mayor’s chaplain from St Mark’s Church, in Kempshott, will lead the service next to the War Memorial, at the Civic Offices.

The Guards Division of the Corps of Drums, marshalled by Flight Sergeant Simon Palmer from RAF Odiham, will lead a parade just before 11am, and a fly-past by RAF Odiham will precede The Last Post and two minutes’ silence.

Wing Commander Gareth Bryant from RAF Odiham will recite the exhortation and dedication before the Reveille.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Anne Court, will lead the laying of wreaths by representatives of local organisations, schools and colleges.

The Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Brigadier David Innes and Basingstoke MP Maria Miller and will also lay wreaths.

There will be a space on the grass near the War Memorial where members of the public can add their own poppy crosses in remembrance of relatives or friends.

These are available from outlets in the borough before the day and from the Royal British Legion at the event.

VE and VJ Day will also be acknowledged during the service with the poem High Flight being read by cadets from 443 sqn (Basingstoke) ATC in honour of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

On Wednesday, November 11, a bugler will mark the observance of two minutes’ silence for Remembrance Day at the War Memorial.

This will be followed by Cllr Court laying a wreath on behalf of the councillors and staff of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Cllr Court said: “We will welcome everybody who would like to come along and pay their respects at either of these events.

“They will have even more poignancy this year as we mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 70th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan Days."

Anyone wanting to help the local branch of the Royal British Legion in selling poppies should contact Bill Sample on 01256 357666.