I AM writing in response to the letter dated Monday, October 20 from Leslie Allard.

I have over the past two years had the privilege of being chair of the Great War planning committee here at Bournemouth.

As a council we have taken very seriously our duty to respect and remember the fallen of this terrible event both for those from our local area and from further afield.

As many will be aware there are several areas that we have graves and memorials around the borough and as a committee we decided this the best way to acknowledge the tremendous gift that these service people gave to us all.

On the August 4 we held a civic service at Pier Approach that was attended by veterans from all services and hundreds of members of the public who stood in total admiration throughout.

This was followed in the evening by a candlelit service in the gardens again which was attended by veterans and public alike.

We felt that rather than have just a single wreath at lots of different points that this was the best way to remind people of the event of 100 years ago.

As an ongoing event over the next four years we will be holding many smaller displays, talks and exhibitions.

I can assure you that this council will never forget the debt of gratitude that is owed to all of our service people across all conflicts.

CLLR DAVE KELSEY,

chair Great War committee, Bournemouth council