Every year, this is when I start obsessing about the weather — just how cold and/or wet and/or windy will it be on Remembrance Day? Which coat — it has to be one I can pin a medal on, so not the most effective waterproof. Boots that will take orthotics and woollen socks, support my aching wobbly ankles, and let me dig in my heels properly on the march. Sometimes I have to wear earmuffs on top of my faded old beret so the wind doesn’t wake up the ancient frostbite scars. And of course the serious mittens.

It’s not a fun day. I’m always very glad when it’s over.