THERE will be no formal parade, public service or gathering in Droitwich Spa on Remembrance Sunday, it has been revealed.
The decision was taken to protect the health, wellbeing and safety of residents in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, organisations due to lay wreaths will be urged to collect them to lay at the memorial in Victoria Square in the week leading up to November 8.
Groups and individuals can take photographs as they place the wreaths and forward them to the Royal British Legion Branch Chairman or Secretary at [email protected] or [email protected].
A collage of the photographs will be compiled for public display in the Heritage Centre at St Richards House.
The Royal British Legion can lay wreaths for those who are unable to make it themselves.
Prior to November 8, the Mayor, Chairman and Secretary of the RBL and the Chaplain will record a short Remembrance Service in St Andrews Church, which will be broadcast at the time of the usual service on Remembrance Sunday via social media.
The Rule of Six will be observed during the service and it is hoped a representative from the Office of the Lord Lieutenant for Worcestershire will be in attendance.
The service will take the form of prayers and a short address from the Chaplain, delivery of the Exhortation, two-minute silence and the Kohima Epitaph presented by the RBL Branch Chairman.
On Wednesday, November 11, a similar small ceremony will take place at the memorial and conclude with the laying of wreaths by the Mayor and four representatives of the RBL.
At all times the rule of six will be followed and socially distancing measures conformed with.
The Royal British Legion is also suggesting other alternative ways to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including the RBL’s Virtual Field of Remembrance in memory of those who fell whilst serving our country. Visit https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/remember-a-loved-one/virtual-fields-of-remembrance for more.
Simple tributes can include poppies displayed at home and standing outside to mark the Act of Remembrance in silent prayer and contemplation at 11am on November 8 and November 11.
It is hoped to display illuminated poppies on the frontage of St Richards House for the period of Remembrance this year.
Droitwich Mayor Coun Bill Moy said: “The 2020 Remembrance arrangements have been carefully considered and were not easy decisions to make.
He added it was regrettable there would be no formal parade, public service or gathering.
“I am sure those we are remembering would have not liked us to put the public at risk unnecessarily.”
Coun Humphries said: “Furthermore 2021 marks the centenary year of the formation of the Royal British Legion and it is widely hoped that the occasion can be marked with a befitting return to the usual high standard Remembrance arrangements and protocols.”
