A happy and poignant day. I always look forward to attending two of three Remembrance parades in the three main towns in my constituency. On a quiet and overcast day, I headed to Portland first, arriving in time to see the parade march to the Heights Hotel, where everyone fell out and made their way to the Cenotaph. I was soon joined by the island's Mayor, the very special Sandy West, who had not been well. She, I and the rest of the small team of VIPs (and I mean that in the humblest term) waited until it was near 1100 before moving into position in front of the Cenotaph. Hundreds had gathered to attend and I saw many familiar faces as we lined up and waited for the Service to start. It was taken by the Mayor's delightful Chaplain, Paula Brown, with all nominations represented. The parade commander Shaun Souster soon had us all under control and at 1100 we stood to attention for the two minutes' silence. Lay minister Karen Gomm, Tim's wife, was there having just qualified and read a Reading. Many wreaths were laid to three hymns and I was deeply moved watching them quietly go about their duty. The Weymouth Concert Brass provided the music and did a splendid job. I stayed for as long as I could to chat to people, ending up covered in dog hairs. Why, you ask? Well, I was asked to pose for a photograph with a young dog called 'Isle of Portland' and the said animal did not quite understand that you need to remain still while a picture is taken, but instead decided to jump out of my arms, taking my poppy with him! Saying my farewells, I headed to the seafront and parked near the Weymouth Cenotaph so I could lay a wreath there, too. Phil Say was just taking away the sound system, so I caught up with him. Then, it was across to Swanage for their regular afternoon parade. As per normal, we all met outside the Mowlem Theatre, where many marchers and residents had gathered. The parade marshal, Frank Roberts, was soon barking commands and getting us all lined up in the right order. I took my place beside the town's Mayor, Cllr Avril Harris, who looked immaculate. Then, we all marched through the town to St Mary's, where a very different and touching sermon was given by the Assistant Curate, the Reverend Solveig Sonet. Some great hymns, a respectful two minutes' silence, and then back out on to the street to march to the Cenotaph on the sea front. Here, as always, the wreath layers lined up and after a short Service moved forward in pairs to lay their wreaths. To end this act of Remembrance by the sea and in the late afternoon is always somehow very special and peaceful.