Bugler Niall Roberts Marks 50th Consecutive Last Post Performance

On Sunday, Niall Roberts will perform the Last Post with his bugle at a village’s Remembrance Sunday service, marking his 50th consecutive year in this role. Although he now resides in Surrey, having grown up in Pembridge, Herefordshire, he continues to travel annually for this performance. Mr. Roberts stated, “Each year I pick the instrument back up in November to take part and I’m very grateful to be able to contribute. It’s very important to me.” Despite his continuous commitment every year since 1975, he indicated his readiness to relinquish the position. Mr. Roberts expressed, “It would be amazing if a younger person wanted to take it up and continue to respect, understand and contribute to the Remembrance process.” His dedication will be acknowledged on Sunday when the Royal British Legion presents him with a certificate of merit, in the presence of his family and friends. Graham Hudson, representing the local branch of the Royal British Legion, described Mr. Roberts’ yearly performance as “an example of a younger generation still committed to Remembrance.” The 61-year-old noted that maintaining the annual journey has not always been straightforward, citing various life challenges he had to surmount. He provided examples such as “Academic exams, being away at university, working away in London, family commitments, travel issues and poor weather.” Mr. Roberts, an alumnus of Pembridge CE Primary School, recounted that he was inspired to participate in the local Remembrance event. At the age of 12, he was nominated for the position, stating, “I started to learn how to play the trumpet two years before and my band-master put my name forward and I haven’t looked back.” He further commented, “[It’s] really humbling to be part of a Remembrance of the community where I grew up.”