AN atmospheric ‘Homecoming’ awaits Presteigne’s Sleeping Dragon, the iconic sculpture standing sentinel on the Welsh border for the past four years to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

After a 1,564-day vigil marking the length of the 1914 – 1918 war, a torchlit procession will accompany the Sleeping Dragon from Corton roundabout along the Presteigne by-pass to the sounds of muffled bells from the belfry at St Andrew’s Church.

Marching song sheets will be provided for those who join the procession to sing the dragon to a ‘Homecoming’ party at Presteigne Memorial Hall’s to celebrate the coming of peace 100 years ago.

The ceremony involving Stapleton sculptor Peter Smith’s dragon will be the culmination of a Remembrance Weekend.

It begins on Saturday, November 10, with a Concert for Peace in St Andrew’s with singers from various community choirs presenting a selection of war and peace related songs.

Armistice Day in Presteigne will start at the cenotaph for the traditional act of remembrance led by Presteigne branch of the Royal British Legion where wreaths will be laid by representatives of past and serving members of the services.

After a two minute silence the parade will march to the church for the Armistice service which will include the reading of the names of those who died during the Great War.

The Judge’s Lodging will be hosting the last day of a well-researched exhibition entitled, ‘To the Families, One Coin’, with precious artefacts loaned by local families including the personalised ‘Dead Man’s Penny’. The exhibition will be open from 11am – 3.30pm.

At 4pm, the Last Post will sound at Corton roundabout and a short, specially commissioned poem will be read before the Sleeping Dragon leaves its familiar resting place on the border with England and Wales.