MADAM - I once resided in a Gloucestershire town that went by the name of Stroud and befriended many of the local people - a lovely crowd.

On my return early this month, I met many of the ex-servicemen of this town.

I met several stalwarts on my return as I strolled through Stroud and the lanes of the local villages.

Ron Smith, Graham Wicks, Tucker the Clown of the 7th Hussars and others.

I was once a standard bearer for the local Royal British Legion remembrance service parades for Stroud and Cainscross (St Matthew’s Church), as well as a poppy organiser too.

Now living in London town, my recent visit to Stroud was heartbreaking for me as I was told that not enough people attend the remembrance day parades.

Those veterans put their lives on the line for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

Come on you people of Stroud and local villages.

For those who have gone, we treasure their memory, they will never be forgotten.

“We will remember them.”

I will make a special trip from London to this year’s remembrance weekend to both Stroud and Cainscross as I want to share in the weekend’s commemorations with you.

William (Bill) Cox

Eastcote

Middlesex