I SUPPORT Mr Winchester's call for a large turnout at the parish poll today (Thursday).

I have not heard a convincing argument for the removal of the war memorial from the churchyard. Mr Chamberlain presents a powerful case when he states that the war memorial stands on consecrated ground, as does that at Saint Boniface's Church and at Fairview Church.

It is a tight fit around the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday. Has this always been so? Will the ceremony be as well attended in the future? Who knows? Where is it proposed the Remembrance Day service, held at present in the church, be held in the future?

As a 77-year-old ex Gunner captain, I have managed to walk up to the church from the town twice a year over the past seven years. I am proud and honoured to be part of the parade — I do not wish it to change — particularly as it is so well supported by other groups in the town especially many of our young people.

It would appear, from recent discussions and correspondence, that it is the wish of the Okehampton Royal British Legion members that the war memorial be moved. I would like to put the record straight — not all members are of this opinion and I am certainly against this proposal. Please leave the war memorial at its present site in All Saints Churchyard.

G Roy Jones

Vice chairman

Royal British Legion

branch committee