A SCALED-DOWN Remembrance Sunday of commemorations will take place in Evesham to pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Following the release of the government’s guidance encouraging small scale acts of Remembrance, Evesham Parish Church, in collaboration with the Town Council and Royal British Legion will be holding a small service at the town’s War Memorial on November 8.
Dignitaries and standard bearers have been invited in order to pay their respects however, in light of the current Coronavirus pandemic the Royal British Legion, Town Council, church and West Mercia Police have asked Vale resident not to attend the service. Wreath-laying will not be permitted on the day.
All those wishing to pay their respects are asked to stay at home and observe the two-minute silence on their doorsteps at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.
Rev Andrew Spurr, Vicar of Evesham, said: “The constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant a number of significant occasions in the church’s year have had to be scaled-down.
“I cannot imagine not conducting a Remembrance Service, so we will mark the occasion but necessarily as a smaller event. I ask people who would normally attend to stand back this year, so we can carry out an important observation in safety.”
Coun Sue Amor, Mayor of Evesham said: “This year is absolutely unique in terms of the impact the pandemic is having on our lives and unfortunately Remembrance Day is no different.
“There will be no parade or church service and there will only be a small number of people invited to officially take part. Evesham always turns out to pay its respects but we ask this year you do so from your own home”.
Alan Booth, chairman of the Evesham Royal British Legion branch said: “After much consideration and after liaising with the police a tough decision has been taken not to permit organisations and individuals to lay wreaths at the service other than the core invited dignitaries.
“They can however lay wreaths in their own time ensuring they comply by social distancing guidelines and the rule of six. In order to help keep us safe and keep you safe we ask that you stay home in order to observe this year’s Remembrance Day”.
West Mercia Police will be present to ensure any people attending are adhering to the current Coronavirus guidelines.
