The proud standard bearer for Baldock’s Royal British Legion is to parade with the Hertfordshire county standard in front of the Queen this November.

The Comet: Baldock Royal British Legion standard bearer Al Hayhurst on Remembrance Sunday last year. Photo: Janice MiddletonBaldock Royal British Legion standard bearer Al Hayhurst on Remembrance Sunday last year. Photo: Janice Middleton (Image: Archant)

Al Hayhurst will line up at the Royal Albert Hall in London at the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, November 11 – the day before Remembrance Sunday.

The former Royal Signaller – who will be familiar to many as the standard bearer at Baldock’s annual Remembrance Sunday service – has held the county role since February this year. He was last year named the best standard bearer in Hertfordshire.

He told the Comet: “I have been to watch the Festival of Remembrance a couple of times previously and it is always a moving occasion.

The Comet: Royal Albert HallRoyal Albert Hall (Image: Archant)

“To be given the opportunity to take part and parade the Hertfordshire county standard in front of HM The Queen is a great honour.”

Baldock & District Poppy Appeal organiser Paul Middleton added: “This is excellent news for the branch, the county and for Al himself, after his hard work to achieve the skills required for this important job.

“This is also a great reflection on his former career in the Royal Signals.”

The Comet: The Baldock Royal British Legion barbecue at the Orange Tree pub. Picture: Al HayhurstThe Baldock Royal British Legion barbecue at the Orange Tree pub. Picture: Al Hayhurst (Image: Archant)

The good news was announced to branch members, friends and guests at the Baldock branch barbecue on Saturday night at the Orange Tree pub.

Paul said: “A roof-raising cheer, applause and shouts of congratulations followed as everyone was so proud of Al’s achievements.”

Some 50 members and guests were at the barbecue, which Paul said was organised by Janice Middleton and hosted “magnificently” by landlord Rob Scahill – with food sponsored by Chapman’s butchers and rolls donated by Tesco.

The Comet: Roger the Pig playing at the Baldock Royal British Legion barbecue at the Orange Tree pub. Picture: Al HayhurstRoger the Pig playing at the Baldock Royal British Legion barbecue at the Orange Tree pub. Picture: Al Hayhurst (Image: Archant)

The eclectic repertoire from St Ives-based three-piece band, Roger the Pig, ranged from Dusty Springfield’s 1963 hit I Only Want to Be With You, to Paul Weller songs and Jimi Hendrix-style riffs.

The Poppy Appeal runs all year round, although the sale of poppies in public locations only happens for two weeks in November.

For more about the Royal British Legion, Remembrance Sunday and the Poppy Appeal, see britishlegion.org.uk and facebook.com/rblbaldock.