Remembrance Sunday’s new format

blackmorevaleNovember 4, 20200 Comment0

Remembrance Sunday commemorations on November 8 in Sturminster Newton will be very different this year.

There will be no parade led by the Band of the Wessex Highlanders followed by the Legion Standard, veterans, civic dignitaries and various other organisations. However there will be a service in St Mary’s church. Due to covid it will be very different and with vastly reduced numbers.

There will be no singing, with the exception of a reduced-size choir. They are not allowed to have a bugler or piper, so the Last Post and Reveille will be recorded. Facemasks or coverings will be required at all times unless medically exempt. About half of the pews will be taken out of service. Everyone attending will be required to book in advance on 01258 821612 and veterans and serving military personnel and their families will be given priority.

The booking line has been opened on October 23, at 1pm and is available until 5pm each day. Booking was restricted to veterans and service personnel until 1pm on Wednesday, October 28, when it was opened up to the general public on a first come first served basis. Church Street will be closed to traffic and there will be no parking at the church.

If anyone needs disabled access or dropping off please notify when booking. The service will start at 10.45am – arrive early. There will not be a chance for people to lay a wreath. 

A spokesman said: “Please understand that this is not the way we would like Remembrance Sunday to be commemorated but we are in extraordinary times.“We understand that a lot of people will be disappointed that there will be no parade and also will be unable to attend the service due to number restrictions. “Please be understanding if you are told there are no seats left to book, the usual capacity of the church on Remembrance Sunday is between 350 and 400, and the reduced capacity with the restrictions is 80-100 depending on family group sizes. Hopefully next year we will be back to normal.”