Remembrance despite Covid-19
This year’s Remembrance Sunday in Bath was like no other that had gone before it.
BANES Council held a closed event early at 10am at the war memorial in Victoria Park.
Major (Rtd) Roger Evans, RBL Bath Remembrance Organiser, read The Exhortation ‘For the Fallen’ and bugler Harry Leafe, a member of the City of Bath Brass Band, sounded Last Post and Reveille.
The Standard, carried by Matthew Smith, EX-ACF, was lowered for the two minutes silence and Major Evans read The Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, ‘For your tomorrow we gave our today”’.
The Rev Canon Guy Bridgewater gave the dedication, followed by the Lord’s Prayer and the blessing.
Major Evans laid the Royal British Legion Wreath, and The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Manda Rigby, planted the first poppy cross on behalf of the city.
Individuals or families were invited to join together for a two minute silence and to plant their crosses after the main party had departed. Stories were swapped and family members supported, all from a safe distance.
After the ceremony at the City of Bath’s War Memorial, Councillor Rigby recorded a message for the citizens of Bath.
She said: “It was a real honour to be able to lay the first wreath on behalf of the citizens of Bath on Remembrance Sunday. Even under these circumstances it was incredibly important we ensured we did not forget the sacrifices made during many conflicts.”
Major Evans said: “The Royal British Legion endorses the Mayor’s comments, and I am glad we managed to arrange the events this year due to the present climate.”
Canon Bridgewater, the Rector of Bath Abbey, led a short service with prayers, and thanksgiving for all those who gave their lives that we might live.
Later in the day the dedication of the field of Remembrance was held at the Abbey Church Yard.
There was also a substantial crowd turned out for Timsbury Remembrance Service, all observing the social distancing rules due to Covid-19.
A very simple, but poignant service was conducted at the village war memorial by the Rev Martin Blewitt, Barry Sewell, chairman of Timsbury branch of the Royal British Legion, Chris Fiddes standard bearer and John Hare bugler, who sounded Last Post for the two-minute silence.
Wreaths were laid by representatives of the three services, Timsbury RBL, Cheshire Home, Brownies, Lions and parish council.
Following the service at the Memorial, there would normally be a church service and refreshments at the Timsbury Royal British Legion Club. Unfortunately for the first time, this was unable to happen due to Covid-19.