THE 150th anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross will be the theme of this year?s Devon Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. The annual occasion takes place in the Great Hall of the University of Exeter on Thursday, November 9, starting at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Mrs Sara Jones, the widow of Lt Col ?H? Jones, who was awarded the gallantry medal posthumously during the Falklands War in 1982 whilst commanding the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. However, Colonel Jones started his army career in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment and was stationed in the early 1960s in Exeter. The Band and Bugles of the Light Division and the ladies? choir River City Chorus will provide musical entertainment. The festival, similar to the national event held each year at the Royal Albert Hall, pays tribute to the sacrifices of Britain?s Armed Forces in conflicts throughout the twentieth century and including the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The evening also features the ceremonial muster of all the Standards of Devon?s Royal British Legion branches as well as representatives of youth organizations, ex-service associations and members of the Armed Forces, police, fire and emergency services. Members of the Okehampton Branch of the Royal British Legion wishing to buy tickets and book transport should register with the social club steward before September 21. For further information, contact the branch secretary on 01837 840757. Alternatively, tickets priced £6 are available from the Exeter ticket office on 01392 211080.
