November is always a bittersweet time of year for me. On the one hand, you have the build up to Christmas – the anticipation of festivities, spiced coffees, mince pies and goodwill to all men, but we cannot forget another event that arrives much before Saint Nick.

Yes, I’m talking Armistice Day, and this year was especially important as it marked 100 years since the end of the Great War. I attended the launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Birmingham, dressed accordingly as my character Sergeant Barker. I always feel it’s important to mark Armistice Day, and we must never, ever forget those that gave their freedom so we could enjoy ours.

Back on home turf in Gloucester, we held a couple of events to celebrate the lives of the men and women who sadly never made it home. There was a memorial service held on Remembrance Sunday at The War Memorial on Park Road, and a military parade which started at Eastgate Street and ended at our very own Cathedral. Truly a fitting tribute to our fallen.