Remembrance Sunday 2020 - statement from parish council Chairman

Sadly, Remembrance Sunday in 2020 will have to be different, says Parish Council Chairman Cllr Peter Tisdale, in view of the precautions to be taken during the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions.

"The Mabe community has a strong sense of pride and respect for those who lost their lives in both world wars, for those who have served in subsequent conflicts, and all those whose lives have been affected by war. In the last couple of years, Remembrance Sunday in Mabe has been remarkable, with a strong turnout of local residents and organisations for the Service and the laying of the wreaths in our new Memorial Garden.

This year we have to take particular care, and so unfortunately there will be no organised Remembrance Sunday ceremonies. This is in line with national guidance and precautions to protect communities against the Covid-19 virus. Instead, myself and the Parish Council Vice-Chairman, Cllr Michelle Wilkinson, will lay wreaths at the War Memorial on behalf of the whole community. You will all be in in our thoughts as we do this, and we know that many of you will take a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by others.

If you feel that you still wish to participate in some way on the day, then why not step out into your gardens at 11am on Sunday 8 November and spend a few moments in joint reflection with neighbours across the Parish. However you decide to mark your respect this year, take care, think of others, and remember to wear your poppy with pride.

Hopefully, we will be able to continue with our Remembrance ceremony next year as we have done recently. In the meantime, please take care and stay safe!"

We will video the wreath laying, as we did for both VE and VJ days and upload it to the Parish Council website and Facebook pages.