Residents from across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to mark Remembrance Day and Armistice Day at home this year.
Remembrance events have been scaled back due to the restrictions imposed to help stop the spread of coronavirus and residents are being reminded not to put themselves or others at risk by turning up to pay their respects.
Some small events will still take place with invitees only and the Remembrance Service at Bath Abbey will be limited to sixty people who will need to obtain a ticket in advance.
The Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Andrew Furse, said: “I know for a great many people it is incredibly important to come together as a community to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.
“However, for the sake of our community and to help stop the spread of Covid-19, I would urge people this year not to take unnecessary risks and to remember the fallen at home.”
Ceremonies and events:
Sunday 8th November
The Royal British Legion Wreath Laying Ceremony – at the City of Bath’s War Memorial, Royal Victoria Park: Invitees only. The Mayor Councillor Manda Rigby will lay the first wreath.
The ceremony will be filmed and will be made available to watch on the council’s Youtube channel from 10.45 -11.15am. Anyone who would like to lay a wreath can do so informally after 1pm.
Remembrance Service at Bath Abbey: No parade ahead of the service, which will be held at 3pm. The service is limited to a congregation of sixty. Admission is by ticket only available from the Abbey Office or Eventbrite. The Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Andrew Furse, will be in attendance.
Keynsham Remembrance Event: No parade this year. Wreath laying will take place in Keynsham Memorial Park. Invited guests only. The ceremony will be livestreamed from 9.30am on YouTube.
Weston & Newbridge Wreath Laying Ceremony: 11am at the War Memorial, junction of High Street & Weston Lane. Invitees only. Former Mayor, Honorary Alderman Colin Barrett, will lay a wreath.
Paulton: Paulton War Memorial wreath laying invitees only.
Publow with Pensford: All Saints Church Service. Private wreath laying to follow.
Armistice Day – Wednesday 11th November
The Royal British Legion at the Abbey Churchyard, Bath: 11am Two minutes silence will be incorporated into a short Act of Remembrance. A bugler will mark the start and finish of the silence to remember those who lost their lives in the service of their country. The Mayor, Councillor Manda Rigby, will be in attendance.
Bath United Services Association’s wreath laying ceremony: 11am at the War Memorial, Firs Field, Combe Down. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gerry Curran, will lay a wreath.
Bath & North East Somerset Council Bereavement Services, Haycombe Cemetery: There will be no public service at Haycombe Cemetery this year and members of the public and cemetery visitors are requested not gather at the War Memorial. At 11am the symbolic Acts of Remembrance will be made as fully as is reasonable within current restrictions.
The Vice Chair of the council, Councillor Lisa O’Brien and former Mayor and cabinet member for Community Services, Councillor Paul Crossley, will lay wreaths. A stand will be available for the placing of wreaths for anyone who wishes to bring one privately.
Midsomer Norton: Private wreath laying for invitees only at the town’s War Memorial.
Radstock: Private wreath laying for invitees only at the town’s War Memorial.
Twerton: Wreath laying ceremony at 11am. Former Mayor and cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, Councillor Tim Ball, will lay a wreath.
GWR wreath laying: Chair of the council, Councillor Andrew Furse to lay a wreath at Bath Spa station on behalf of the council and residents.
