The Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne will be hosting a carol service for the Wiltshire branch of the Normandy Veterans’ Association today at noon.

The Normandy Veterans' Association nationally has been disbanded with effect from the end of November - the National Committee of the NVA decided that it was better to call a dignified halt, rather than attempt to continue until the last man standing.

So the service and lunch will be the last social gathering of the Wiltshire branch (of which Lord Lansdowne has been the president for many years) of the NVA as such, making the occasion particularly poignant.

The Wiltshire branch of the NVA will rename itself the Wiltshire Normandy Veterans' Association and will use residual funds to enable continuing social contact between the veterans.

Bowood House points out that this is a private function.