Remembrance services cancelled across Fylde coast due to ban on mass gatherings - but there are other ways to pay your respects

As lockdown looms, councils across the Fylde coast have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year's Remembrance Day services. But people can still pay their respects by placing a wreath on their local cenotaph and observe a somber silence in their own homes.
By Wes Holmes
Published 2nd Nov 2020, 15:45 BST
People can still lay wreaths on their local cenotaphs - just not at a public event this yearPeople can still lay wreaths on their local cenotaphs - just not at a public event this year
People can still lay wreaths on their local cenotaphs - just not at a public event this year

Blackpool Council will be airing a pre-recorded virtual remembrance service, led by Reverend Steve Haskett, on its social media channels.

The virtual ceremony will be aired on Sunday November 8 and on Wednesday November 11 at 10.45am.

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Coun Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are asking people this year, to avoid the Cenotaph... and instead come together online for a virtual remembrance ceremony.

“We are also encouraging people to join in with a doorstep silence at 11am as another way of showing our respects to those that gave their lives so bravely.

“This year seems more important than ever to come together and remember all the fallen, but to do so in a safe way.

"Hopefully we can still all join together in showing our respects this year, albeit in a slightly different but safe way.”

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Wyre Council will also air a pre-recorded remembrance service, led by Reverend George Ayoma, online.

Coun David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council, said: “This year we would like to encourage our residents to mark these occasions in a different way, to keep our community safe.

“On Remembrance Sunday the usual commemorative services will not be taking place in Wyre and we suggest that residents instead join us from their homes in a doorstep two minute silence at 11am.”

The Marine Hall in Fleetwood will also be lit red to honour the day.

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Meanwhile, in Fylde, Mayor Angela Jacques and MP Mark Menzies will attend a closed service at St Annes cenotaph on November 8, while deputy mayor Richard Redcliffe attends Lytham.

Coun Jacques said: “It is a great privilege to lay the wreath at the Cenotaph on your behalf. Although it is not possible to gather together to show our respect for those who have lost their lives in conflict for our country because of Covid-19, I would like you to show your support by putting a poppy in your window or standing at your door for the two minutes silence instead."

Related topics:Blackpool CouncilFyldeDavid Henderson

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