Last weekend’s Armistice commemorations was a long time coming for towns such as Whitchurch, Malpas and Wem.

Plans for Remembrance Day take months of planning, with schools and organisations getting involved with the build-up, creating poppy cascades, learning more about the First World War and getting involved with the national Battle’s Over beacon lighting commemoration.

The Herald has spoken to the civic leaders of towns across north Shropshire to find out just how important Armistice Day is to each of the communities.

Whitchurch town mayor, Councillor Tony Neville, said the commemorations are very important to families in the town.

“This is my second year as mayor and each time I represent the town at the Armistice Day commemorations, I have deep sense of pride,” he said.

“It’s always an honour to be a representative for the town, whether it’s through my work with the cadets in Whitchurch or now as mayor.

“There are many families in Whitchurch who have lost loved ones in both world wars and it is for them that we are here today.

“But we also remember all those who have given their lives for their country and I hope you all join me in remembering them.

“Thank you to all the hardworking members of the British Legion who have ensured that Remembrance Sunday is given the attention those who have fallen deserve.”

Whitchurch commemorated the 100 years since the end of the war with a parade through the town, followed by a service at the war memorial at St Alkmund’s.

In Malpas, parish council chairman Councillor John Webb said that his predecessor who had created the war memorial in the village.

“A century ago my predecessor as chairman of the parish council was the rector, and it was he who called a public meeting to discuss the idea of a war memorial to the Malpas men who had not survived,” said Cllr Webb.

“On this special day it is our solemn duty to renew the annual pledge that has echoed through the passing years: We Will Remember Them .

“Not only the 58 who are named on our war memorial but the millions who perished, or who suffered life-changing experiences, in a conflict that we cannot explain nor understand.”

Mayor Of Wem, Councillor Connie Granger, was also proud of the town’s turnout.

“The people of Wem came out to remember the brave men and women who served their country and never returned.

“I was so pleased at the huge turnout,” she said.

“At night we lit the beacon and Wem Town Band played and it was well-attended. We as a town will not forget.”