My Dad was too young to fight in WWII. He did his National Service in 1946-49 serving in Palestine. For him Remembrance Sunday always was a poignant time. For me, it is also special. It is probably thus because I am remembering him and my relationship with him.

I stood in my customary place today in Bartley Green in the company of the MP, local councillors, headteachers, police officers, a fire crew, ex-servicemen and women and hordes of beavers, cubs and scouts. We remembered together.

A newcomer to our ranks this year commented how brilliant the event was. The remark was not about how wonderful the service was; and it was – I led it :-). Rather, it was more to do with the fact that the community came together. Young, old, male, female, black, white and surrounding everything was the playful sound of interaction.

We remembered.

We unashamedly remembered the fallen.

We also remembered something about being community.

I hope there will be further remembering then in the months that lie ahead.