Paphos People

The ‘Peyia Remembrance Service’ is now in its fifth year and attracted around 600 people last year, despite rainy weather.
”What makes the whole thing so special is the 300 or so ex-serviceman and women who turn out in their berets and medals. We are hoping that even more people will attend this year,” Wilson said.
The service is held in Peyia car park, which is situated just below the church. Poppies will be on sale and Wilson has also distributed many to 14 outlets across Paphos. The event takes the form of a traditional Remembrance Day service.
Wilson, an ex serviceman who served for 12 years in the British army has lived in Cyprus for the past 21, believes it is important to continue to mark Remembrance Day. “We have the privilege of gathering together in unity and peace to remember the passing of those brave military service personnel who died in conflicts past and present and to honour them for giving their all for our sakes,” he said.
The ex serviceman said the event would be in the style of a traditional Cenotaph service, which includes prayers, hymns and readings. There is also an opportunity to lay wreaths or other symbols of remembrance at the foot of the cross, towards the end of the service.
“After the service, these will be taken to be laid at the Memorial for the Fallen, which is in Yeroskipou in Paphos.”
MARCH provides Free holiday accommodation in Paphos for retired and injured military personnel.
Home owners in Cyprus who are involved in the scheme donate their property free for a week or two each year so that wounded, disabled or traumatised military and ex military personnel and their families are able to enjoy a holiday.
“The scheme has really taken off now, and we have helped more than 40 families this year,” said Wilson.
MARCH needs further accommodation of all types, says Wilson. “We have applications from people with all types of injuries. Some of them are not mobility compromised but others are severely injured personnel, including double and triple amputees.”

The Remembrance Day service will be held on Sunday November 11 in the Peyia Municipal Car Park at 10.30am. For further information regarding MARCH visit http://www.march-cy.org, or call Alan Wilson on 99850355