MANY people attended Dowland’s first Memorial Weekend from October 21 to 23 to remember the three soldiers from the parish who were killed during World War One.

There is still a chance to visit tomorrow or during the coming weekend, October 28, 29 or 30.

With no War Memorial, a Memorial seat has been installed in the churchyard which is available for all to see.

Local resident Sue Dunn explained: “The memorial seat was designed by Graham Dunn, who lives in the parish, and it was made in Graham’s workshop in Dowland. Together, Graham, Kyle Lees and Harry Vigers hand-made the steel seat.

“WM Ironworks from Newton Tracey laser cut flower and leaf shapes, South West Galvanisers in Crediton then galvanised it, followed by a powder coating by Bucks Engineering near Tiverton, with Eddie Vigers transporting the seat between locations.

“These people and companies gave their skills and services free-of-charge as they had heard about our project to remember our fallen soldiers and were very keen to help this important memorial.”

A memorial exhibition has been installed in the church and outside 5,000 hand-made poppies cascade from the tower, making it a spectacular sight.

Sue added: “Inside the Church each of our soldiers’ young lives are discovered. A warm welcome awaits you in this small rural parish, please join us.”

The soldiers from Dowland who died were Arthur Piper (21) and his brother, William Piper (28) and George Westcott (21).

Sue said that four Piper brothers actually went to War, with the third Piper brother, Harry, dying after the end of the war of influenza.

There is free parking and free entry and the event will run from 10.30am to 5pm each day.

Donations offered during the Dowland Memorial Event will go to the Royal British Legion and Dowland Church.