Today is Armistice Day, at 11 am it would be fitting to pay tribute to all the service men and women of the Forest of Dean who have lost their lives in times of conflict.

Last Saturday I spent a memorable evening at Whitchurch and Ganarew Memorial Hall, where they were holding a WW1 Remembrance Weekend, commemorating the 22 young men of the community who died in that conflict.

One of the events that took place was a screening of a remarkable short World War One film, based on the true story of Producer Matthew Lightstone's Great Great Uncle; Ralph Howells, from Ruardean, who signed up under aged as a pioneer.

I urge anyone connected with the Forest of Dean to watch this film which can be found on youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmhIIsOOFJA, or google 'Ralph - short ww1 film'. It really captures the hopes and fears of the young forest men who joined up and went to war - never to return.