This year’s civic Remembrance Sunday service on November 8 was to be all the more poignant because it will mark the 100th anniversary of the unveiling of the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. There are reports that the Sovereign hopes to be at the Cenotaph, but plans for the usual large scale ceremony are on hold until closer to the date. Whatever occurs, it is expected that in London there will be reduced numbers and strict control to ensure social distancing.
In Rye, having taken full account of the latest advice from the Royal British Legion (RBL) and the local authority, Rye RBL plans to coordinate a virtual event to mirror our usual ceremony at the war memorial. Our appraisals indicate that with either an indoor or outdoor service, there is just not enough space or means of control for any sort of live event.
This decision follows considerable discussion about three options:
- The usual live event but with tight control to effect social distancing
- A much reduced version at the town memorial
- A virtual event, drawing on the segments of the usual service at the memorial.
With any proposal for a live event finding no favour with Rother District Council, which has statutory responsibility for local approval, we have been asked to focus on a virtual event. This is regrettable but our plan will involve all the usual participants of our annual ceremony at the town memorial in two distinct parts – the ceremony and the wreath laying – and participants are being contacted to secure their involvement.
Further details will be published separately this week. The video of the activity will be posted on Rye News for Sunday, November 8. As usual there will be poppies on sale in Rye prior to Remembrance Sunday.
Rye RBL will post any updates on our website and Facebook Page @ryerbl
Image Credits: J. Minter .