A wonderful sight in Ypres, Belgium on Wednesday 8 August 2018.

1,113 RBL branches were represented and their standards were paraded to and through The Menin Gate and then back again, after a ceremony / service as part of GP90 organised by the RBL. Also, 1,113 Branch wreaths were laid at The Menin Gate, making a total of 2,226 RBL representatives. 

The standard for the Christchurch Branch was carried by Norman Pearce and the wreath from the Christchurch Branch was carried and laid by Norman's wife, Sue.

The standard for the Women's Section of the County of Dorset was carried by Lorraine Cole.

Steve Read, Poppy Appeal Organiser for the Christchurch District was so proud to be there and watch the amazing sight. On the Monday and the Tuesday, Steve spent 2 emotional, peaceful, respectful and thought-provoking days visiting WW  battlefields, cemeteries etc. in Loos, Vimy Ridge, Arras, Serre (1, 2 and 3), Thiepval, Lochnagar Crater, Newfoundland Memorial Park, Sheffield Memorial Park, Luke Copse, Railway Hollow, Queens Cemetery, Gommecourt, Ulster Tower then in/around Mons including Nimy Bridge, St. Symphorien and finally, on the way out of Ypres, Tyne Cot.