Formby Makes Remembrance History with New 11am Sunday Service as Community Prepares to Honour the Fallen

Formby is preparing for a particularly special Remembrance Sunday this year, with a new 11am gathering at the village War Memorial, a full programme of commemorative services across the area and a heartfelt invitation for the community to come together afterwards at The Formby Club.

For many years, Formby has not traditionally held an 11am Remembrance Sunday silence at the village War Memorial unless Armistice Day itself happened to fall on a Sunday.

However, thanks to the determination and hard work of Tina Morris, Formby Parish Council and particularly Councillor Maria Bennett, that is now changing.

Their efforts have helped establish a dedicated Remembrance Sunday gathering at 11am, ensuring that Formby residents can come together at the eleventh hour on Remembrance Sunday to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

It is hoped that this will now become a permanent annual tradition, ensuring that future generations will always have the opportunity to stand together in remembrance at this important time.

The new service has been organised through the combined efforts of Formby Parish Council, Formby Bubble and The Formby Club, working alongside Tina Morris.

This year’s commemorations will take place on Sunday 8 November and Wednesday 11 November 2026, with services in Formby, Hightown and Ince Blundell.

Remembrance Sunday – Sunday 8 November 2026

Formby War Memorial – New 11am Remembrance Gathering

• 10.45am: Residents, veterans, serving personnel, cadets and community representatives are invited to gather at Formby War Memorial Cenotaph.

• 11.00am: The community will observe the traditional silence in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to their country.

• After the service: Everyone attending is warmly invited to The Formby Club for complimentary whisky, tea or coffee and a special community gathering.

This new morning gathering represents an important moment for Formby.

For the first time as a regular Remembrance Sunday tradition, residents will have the opportunity to stand together at the village War Memorial at 11am, joining communities across the country in remembering the fallen.

A special thank you goes to Tina Morris, Councillor Maria Bennett and Formby Parish Council for helping to make this possible.

Hightown Remembrance Sunday

• 10.50am: Gathering at Hightown War Memorial.

• 11.00am: Remembrance silence.

• 11.10am: Remembrance service at St Stephen’s Church.

  
  

Residents are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Ince Blundell Remembrance Sunday

• 12.30pm: Remembrance gathering at Ince Blundell War Memorial.

The local community will come together to remember those who served and sacrificed their lives.

Formby Civic Remembrance Service and Parade

• Approximately 3.00pm: Civic Remembrance Service at Holy Trinity Church, Rosemary Lane.

• Approximately 4.00pm: Traditional Remembrance parade through Formby village, subject to confirmation of the final arrangements.

The afternoon commemorations traditionally bring together veterans, uniformed organisations, local dignitaries, cadets and members of the community.

The parade and church service remain an important part of Formby’s Remembrance traditions.

A Special Invitation to The Formby Club – Everyone Welcome

Following the new 11am Remembrance Sunday gathering, The Formby Club is extending a particularly warm invitation to everyone who attends.

The club will be offering a FREE whisky or a warming cup of tea or coffee to those attending the service.

Although The Formby Club is normally a private members’ club, its doors will be open to everyone attending this special Remembrance gathering.

The invitation is about much more than refreshments.

It is an opportunity for veterans and former servicemen and women to meet, share their experiences and enjoy the company of others who understand the importance of Remembrance.

It is also a chance for local residents to personally thank those who have served our country.

The organisers would particularly love to hear stories from former members of the Armed Forces.

Whether you served many years ago, have family connections to the military or simply wish to show your appreciation, you will be made very welcome.

And if you would rather just enjoy a quiet cup of tea and a friendly chat, that is absolutely fine too.

Thanking Those Who Keep Remembrance Alive

The gathering will also provide an opportunity to recognise the many people who work tirelessly to ensure that Remembrance traditions continue.

A special thank you goes to the standard bearers who proudly carry their heavy standards during services and parades.

Their dedication, dignity and commitment are truly appreciated.

The same gratitude extends to the wonderful poppy sellers who stand outside in all weathers, giving their time to raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Without these volunteers, so many of our cherished Remembrance traditions would not be possible.

Local community servicemen and women are also hoped to be in attendance, although operational duties will understandably take priority.

The organisers hope everyone can enjoy an hour or so together, meeting fellow residents, sharing memories and thanking those who have served.

The Formby Club – Where to Go

• Venue: The Formby Club

• Address: 41 Three Tuns Lane, Formby, L37 4AW

• Time: Following the 11am Remembrance Sunday gathering

• Refreshments: Complimentary whisky, tea and coffee

• Accessibility: Lift access available

• Entrance: At the side of The Lifeboat Wetherspoons pub

The club is situated opposite the War Memorial, making it convenient for everyone attending the morning service.

And for Liverpool supporters, there is no need to worry about missing the football!

The organisers have reassured everyone that the match is not until 2pm, and The Formby Club has a big screen and comfortable seating for those who would like to stay and watch.

Most importantly, the gathering is about friendship, gratitude and bringing the community together.

Armistice Day – Wednesday 11 November 2026

The commemorations will continue on Wednesday 11 November, marking the anniversary of the Armistice that brought fighting on the Western Front to an end in 1918.

Formby War Memorial

• 10.45am: Residents and representatives gather at Formby War Memorial.

• 11.00am: Traditional two-minute silence to honour those who gave their lives in conflict.

Polish War Graves – Our Lady’s Church

• 12.00 noon: Remembrance gathering at the Polish War Graves at Our Lady’s Church.

This service provides an important opportunity to remember the Polish servicemen who served alongside Allied forces and those who lost their lives far from their homeland.

A Lasting Remembrance Tradition for Formby

The introduction of the new 11am Remembrance Sunday gathering is a particularly meaningful development for the village.

For generations, Formby residents have proudly supported Remembrance services, parades and the annual Poppy Appeal.

Now, thanks to the efforts of Tina Morris, Councillor Maria Bennett, Formby Parish Council and the support of the wider community, there will also be an opportunity to gather at the War Memorial at 11am every Remembrance Sunday.

It is a tradition that the organisers hope will continue for generations to come.

Formby Bubble is proud to be involved alongside Formby Parish Council and The Formby Club in helping to bring the community together for this important occasion.

Everyone is encouraged to attend whichever service they can, wear their poppy with pride and take a moment to remember the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who served.

Whether you are a veteran, a serving member of the Armed Forces, a family member or simply someone who wishes to pay their respects, your presence matters.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.