The announcement by the Prime Minister yesterday has caused us to rethink what we do on Sunday 8th November to commemorate ‘Remembrance Day’.  Given the latest restrictions we do not believe it appropriate to open the Village Hall, but will place a wreath adjacent to the ‘Roll of Honour’ board.

In terms of the War Memorial, we have asked Harrison Hughes to place the Wreath and the Chair to say a few words.  We do not expect parishioners to congregate, rather that they respect the latest guidance.  If you wish to place your own commemoration on the War memorial, please do so with care.

Government advice:

What can a Remembrance Sunday event involve?

The Remembrance Sunday event at the National Cenotaph will be adjusted this year to ensure the event is as safe as possible. Local events should be adapted to reflect the same principles. They should:

• be outdoors, as transmission risks are significantly reduced
• be short and focussed on wreath laying, with a reduced march past or parade only if social distancing can be maintained
• take advantage of opportunities for wreath layers to represent wider groups
• any small, military bands should observe social distancing. Buglers can perform outdoors at Remembrance Sunday events.
• keep numbers to a minimum, focussing attendance on those wishing to lay wreaths (more information on who can attend below)
• take reasonable steps to minimise wider public viewing. The public can only attend the event with their own household or those in their support bubble, or individually with one other person from outside their household.
• observe social distancing at all times

Limited communal singing, involving the national anthem and one additional song, is permitted outside for Remembrance Sunday, if additional mitigations are put in place. Steps that will need to be taken are:

• communal singing must be outdoors only
• songs should be a few minutes or less
• there should be 2 metres between attendees;
• any surrounding surfaces that are touched should be regularly cleaned
• there must be very clear rules about non-attendance of the symptomatic
• all relevant rules on gatherings are to be followed
• consideration should be given to the vulnerability of some individuals

Please stay safe.