POIGNANT Remembrance services and activities were held across both Conwy and Denbighshire on Sunday.

“Beautiful and moving” tributes were held in Abergele and a service was held at St Michael’s Church and wreaths laid at the cenotaph.

A remembrance lighting display was also on show at St George’s Church [until November 14].

Cllr Alan Hunter, mayor of Abergele, said: "It was pleasing to be able to hold our Remembrance Parade, service and acts of remembrance back at St Michael's Church this year. While we had restrictions on the numbers in the church, the service was relayed outside.

"We had our usual great turn out for the act of Remembrance at the cenotaph.

"It is always heartwarming to see the mix of young and old paying their respects.

"My thanks go to Pastor Kate and the town clerk for organising our parade and service during ongoing unusual times and to everyone who took part."

A memorial service was held at St Mary’s in Towyn and cllr Kay Redhead, Towyn and Kinmel Bay mayor, was invited during the week to Little Lambs Nursery to take part in a two minutes silence.

A member of staff (part of Rhyl’s Silver Band) played the Last Post on her cornet.

Sam Maitland-Price, manager at Little Lambs Day Nursery, said: “We have one soldier in particular who is very special to us and remains on our entry window.

“Sergeant Martin Eamon Walsh, 28, was serving with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps as a bomb disposal expert and on January 9, 1977 was investigating a suspect device in a milk churn and attempting to dismantle it when the bomb exploded. It was an anti-handling bomb and the first of its type used in Northern Ireland at the time.

“Sgt Martin Walsh was my uncle who sadly I never got to meet, so this poppy is very special for my family.”

The pre-school has been learning about Remembrance.

During circle time youngsters watched ‘Poppies’, a two-minute video about poppies growing in the fields for Remembrance Day.

Sam added: “They also read a story about two brave friends who once were young and now are old.

“They also looked at pictures of red poppies and made their own while listening to music from the 1940’s.”

In Rhuddlan, a parade left Rhuddlan Community Centre for a service at 10.30am and arrived at St Mary’s Church at 10.45am.

Members returned to the Cenotaph at Rhuddlan Community Centre for the laying of wreaths.

A spokesperson from Rhuddlan Town Council said: “Cllr Mike Elgin, mayor of Rhuddlan, wishes to thank everybody who supported Remembrance Sunday. It is so heart-warming to see the support from Rhuddlan Community turning out to remember those who gave so much for our freedom.

“Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity to reflect and remember those who paid the ultimate price and it is our responsibility to never forget that sacrifice that allows us to enjoy the freedom that we have today.

“We will never forget. We will remember them.”

In Rhyl, a service was held at the town’s Remembrance Gardens. The service was be conducted shortly before the 11am two-minute silence.

Richard Kendrick, who organises fundraising activities for the Royal British Legion (RBL), said: “Rhyl had a lovely service led by reverend Chris Spencer and myself.

“Cllr Diane King, mayor of Rhyl, made a speech. MP for Vale of Clwyd James Davies and Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, plus other civics attended.

“I’ve never seen so many wreaths laid to remember from so many groups.

“We had the Rhyl Silver Band playing with Stuart Parry playing the last post and reveille.

"It was lovely to have so many of the Welsh guards attend this year."

Cllr King said: “It was moving to see so many people come out to remember those who sacrifice, and continue to sacrifice, so much for us.

“We are very fortunate to be protected and served by the very best air, sea, and land organisations but all too aware of the huge cost that can be connected with a lifetime of service.

“As ever, the people of Rhyl came out respectfully to reflect, remember those no longer with us and be thankful to those who continue to serve around the world.”

Members of Rhyl Lifeboat also joined the community to pay their respects. 

In Meliden, cllr Sharon Frobisher, mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden, and her consort Harriet Frobisher attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Garden of Remembrance in Meliden. A two-minute silence was observed by veterans, members of Prestatyn Royal British Legion, families and the public, and wreaths were laid.

A church service at St Melyd’s Church, Meliden, by the the Rev John Harvey, followed.

Cllr Frobisher also attended the Prestatyn Remembrance Day Parade through the town and service at the parish church taken by vicar David Ash.

The parade to and from the church was led by Richard Taylor of Prestatyn Royal British Legion and was made up of the mayor with town and county councillors, veterans, Royal British Legion, Prestatyn Army Cadets, 2193 Prestatyn Squadron ATC, Sea Cadets, 3rd Prestatyn Beavers, Cubs as well as the scouts, fire service and members of the police.

In St Asaph, a service was held at the Cathedral on Sunday, November 14.

A procession to the war memorial followed and individuals and organisations lay wreaths.