ANDOVER fell silent today to remember those who gave their lives for our country on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.

Veterans stood alongside serving military, cadets, scouts, guides and brownies, residents and local dignitaries in order to pay their respects.

A parade made its way through the town centre from Bridge Street to St Mary’s Church where a service was held in the Garden of Remembrance.

Conducted by Canon Jill Bentall, chaplain to the mayor of Test Valley Councillor Ian Carr, her message centred around that when “fighting ends great things happen”.

Cllr Carr laid a wreath at the cenotaph, along with MP for North West Hampshire Kit Malthouse and president of the Andover Branch of the Royal British Legion Brian Mellor.

Their wreathes were joined by those placed by other civic dignitaries, branches of the military and posies of poppies from children from local schools.

One of those who took part in the parade was Falklands veteran Steve West from Forces Re-engineered who rode his motorbike in the procession.

He said: “In Andover it was the first year I have rode my motorbike – it is really humbling to be involved. Forces Re-engineered is another reason why I am here today. Those involved find it very difficult as it brings back a lot of memories, painful ones and good ones.”

Another Falklands veteran who attended the service was Brian Cartwright, he said: “I was serving during the Falklands conflict, I lost friends during the conflict. Coming here today I remember them and others who gave their lives.”

Brian said that his wife’s great uncle George Dennis died on the Armistice.

Veteran Alan Law was wearing his grandfather’s medals from the First World War and his father-in-law’s medals from the Second World War.

“I have done this a lot of times when I was serving but it is the first time I have worn their medals but as it is 100 years I thought I would give them an airing.”

Speaking of his grandfather, Alan, who used to work at the Army Headquarters in Andover, he said: “I am sure he would have been here himself to remember his comrades.”

Pictures from other commemoration events from around Andover and Wiltshire will appear online and in the paper.