New ways to show we will remember them
SERVICES MOVE ONLINE DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS
PEOPLE planning to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday are being encouraged to do so from home with the country in a second national lockdown.
Events for the annual commemorations have been curtailed right across Nottinghamshire in a bid to enforce social distancing.
It means the events, which usually see thousands of people taking to the streets in all corners of the county, will mainly be held in private and will feature representatives from churches, councils and the Armed Forces.
Councils across Nottinghamshire have all issued guidance about how residents can still take part in their events, with many authorities live streaming wreath-laying ceremonies online.
And residents have also been asked to take to their doorsteps at 11am as the annual two-minute silence is held to remember those who died in conflicts.
Nottingham
The traditional wreath-laying and two-minute silence at Victoria Embankment will not proceed this year due to the potential numbers attending - usually several thousand people - and the need to avoid large gatherings.
In its place, a special Service of Remembrance is set to be broadcast on Notts TV at St Mary’s Church.
It will be led by the church’s vicar and will feature a two-minute silence, and recorded hymns.
Revised plans for the Victoria Embankment event will see eight wreaths laid by the Lord Mayor, Lord Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire, a representative of Nottingham MPS, the Army, Royal Air Force, and Navy.
The South Notts Hussars, which traditionally holds a service of remembrance at the church, will also take part.
A large projection of cascading poppies will also be beamed onto the memorial at Victoria Embankment between dusk and 9pm, with the public able to view the projections “in a safe socially distanced way”.
Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council said: “While times are challenging at present, it is important for Nottingham that we have the opportunity to remember those who sacrificed their lives in conflict and to pay our respects to them.
“It’s vital that we can do this in a safe and controlled way which sadly means it has not been possible to hold the Service of Remembrance at the Victoria Embankment.”
Ashfield
Remembrance Sunday events across Ashfield have been “severely curtailed” as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, with no public ceremonies set to take place.
Invite-only events will be held in Kirkby and Sutton, with Ashfield District Council live streaming the events online.
Poppies have also been erected in parts of the district, while residents have been encouraged to hold the two minute’s silence on their doorsteps.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “Because of Covid, this year’s Day of Remembrance will be completely different.
“It is with a heavy heart that government guidance will severely curtail what is always an amazing day in numerous locations across our district.
“We understand why though - our number one priority, however, is to ensure that people laying wreaths at our cenotaphs and memorials are safe.
“We will be live streaming the Kirkby and Sutton events, including the military bugle player and asking residents to observe the two minutes’ silence on their doorsteps.”
Bassetlaw
The annual parade for Remembrance Day in Worksop will not be going ahead this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bassetlaw District Council has also revealed its usual wreath-laying ceremonies will not be public events and will be held in private.
Residents can lay a wreath in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday at Memorial Gardens, and these will be transferred to the Worksop War Memorial on Monday.
A spokesperson for Bassetlaw District Council said: “Remembrance Sunday attracts large crowds and there is no way of ensuring social distancing is complied with in a large public event like this.
“Unfortunately, this means that we are not able to hold the annual Remembrance Parade in Worksop, which is organised by Bassetlaw District Council, and we are not able to endorse other events throughout the district.
“It also means that the number of people allowed to take part in wreath-laying ceremonies at our war memorials will be restricted as part of a private ceremony.
“As such we are asking residents not to gather at war memorials to ensure we can keep everyone safe.”
Broxtowe
Broxtowe Borough Council has encouraged residents to attend the event virtually, with its annual wreath-laying ceremony set to be broadcast online.
Councillor Milan Radulovic, leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “The annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations are a significant event in the Borough’s calendar and it is important that we are still able to mark this important day.
“However, the Government has issued clear guidance about the numbers of people who are allowed to gather.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have had to make this decision but it is our duty to keep our community safe, including those who are at a higher risk from the virus.”
The Beeston event will be shown online from 10.55am on November 8 via http://ow.ly/qf2250c6mym.
Residents have also been encouraged to stand on their doorsteps for a two-minute silence at 11am on November 11, 2020 - Armistice Day.
Gedling
Gedling Borough Council is also holding a private wreath laying ceremony to mark Remembrance Sunday, with residents encouraged to mark the day from home.
Councillor John Clarke, leader of the council, said: “In line with guidance set out by the government on Remembrance Services during lockdown, we will be commemorating this important day in a different way this year. “It is important that we remember those who fought for our country and wreaths will be laid at war memorials across the borough, with safety precautions in place. “Unfortunately this means we cannot invite the public along to remember our heroes with us this year. You can still pay your respects from home.”
Mansfield
People
in Mansfield are being encouraged to t mark kr Remembrance Sunday at home.
A 30-minute service will take place outdoors, at an undisclosed place, on Remembrance Sunday and will be beamed live via Mansfield District Council’s Facebook page.
The service, led by the Rev Canon Paul Bentley, is not open to members of the public.
Only a small number of Royal British Legion members, a bugler, invited guests and council representatives will be present, including the mayor Andy Abrahams.
He said: “It is sad news that the parade cannot take place this year but we will still be remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice through wars and conflicts.”
Other Remembrance Day ceremonies organised by Royal British Legion branches in the district, including Mansfield Woodhouse, Warsop and Meden Vale, Bellamy Road and Clipstone, will also be following RBL and government guidance and be small invite-only events.
Newark and Sherwood
A spokesperson for Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “On Sunday, November 8, a small service will be held at the memorial in Newark. A small number of invited guests will attend including the Mayor and RBL representatives.
“There will no longer be a service at Southwell Minster on Sunday, November 8 due to the latest restrictions.
“A small number of representatives will be on-site to take part in a small ceremony but we ask people to stay at home and find alternative ways of showing their respect.
“Ollerton and Boughton Town Council will be limiting their service too but will be sharing a live stream of their event with the town mayor of Ollerton and Boughton, a district and county councillor, a representative from the Royal British Legion (Ollerton Branch) laying wreaths and paying their respects on behalf of the community.
“You can watch the stream by clicking on this link: https://1intent. co.uk/live/.”
Rushcliffe
A Rushcliffe Borough Council spokesperson said: “We’re not aware of any larger commemorations taking place across Rushcliffe in line with central government advice outlined on November 3.
“Rushcliffe councillors are attending wreath-laying ceremonies in their communities in line with these guidelines and some have recorded commemorations ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
“These activities are part of church or community plans and not directly organised by Rushcliffe Borough Council. Our website provides links to ideas and inspirations from the Royal British Legion for recognising Remembrance Sunday at home: www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/ remembrance”