Remembrance Sunday

Chester Town Hall will be lit in red from 6 to 12 November to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Mark Williams and Councillor Bob Rudd, Chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council are recording messages for a virtual civic service to add to this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations. There will be a live streamed scaled back private service held at Chester Cathedral on Sunday 8 November.

In line with the suggestions of the Royal British Legion, national guidance, and the government’s guidance on gatherings, the traditional military service, parade and salute for Chester have been moved online this year, there will be no public events.  Because of social distancing regulations it is not safe this year for people to gather safely to watch the traditional services.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Every year, the British Legion calls on the nation to unite in commemorating Remembrance Sunday.

“In west Cheshire, we are still keen to recognise the importance of remembering, but the priority this year is about keeping people safe.

“I would like to encourage everyone to come out onto their doorsteps on Sunday 8 November to mark the national two minutes silence and also place a poppy in a front window. 

“This year, I am asking that members of the public and our veteran community to keep their pledges in remembering the fallen from the safety of their own homes.  There will be no public events taking place this year, and I therefore ask with a heavy heart that people do not to attend their local village or town War Memorials or the one at Chester Cathedral unless they have officially been invited to do so.”

The Lord Mayor will attend a private service followed by the Act of Remembrance at the Cathedral. The scaled back service can be watched online on Sunday 8 November from 3.30pm.

Chester Cathedral are inviting people to write messages of remembrance or a prayer on their Prayer Wall.  To do so visit:  https://chestercathedral.com/prayer-wall/

Councillor Williams, Lord Mayor of Chester said: “Once again we have to change our plans due to COVID-19 but from the response I’ve seen from our previous services held online I’m sure everyone will still be able to participate but from the comfort of their own homes.

“I am inviting residents, military organisations and veterans to pay their respects and observe the national two minutes silences from the safety of their homes.  It is still important that we observe the national two-minute silences, and these will take place on Sunday 8 November 2020 at 11am and Wednesday 11 November at 11am (Armistice Day).  Let’s continue to wear our poppies with pride.”

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the British Legion are still working hard with partners, volunteers, and suppliers to ensure that the nation can come together to show support for our Armed Forces Community during this year’s Poppy Appeal.  If you would like to donate to the Poppy Appeal, visit:   https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal

Remembrance Sunday is a day to commemorate the contributions of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts It is held on the second Sunday in November, the Sunday closest  to 11 November, Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War in 1918.

Remembrance Services, and wreath laying across the borough have all been affected.  Details of what is taking place can be found on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s website: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/recurring-events/remembrance/remembrance-sunday.aspx

A summary is below:

Ellesmere Port – There is no parade or service. Invited guests only for wreath laying. There will be a virtual service at 11am: www.ellesmereportparish.co.uk

Guilden Sutton - There will be a church service followed by one person laying a Wreath at the memorial

Hartford – There is no parade, St Johns Church are organising laying of wreaths within their church grounds.

Little Sutton – Six people will lay wreaths at the Cenotaph

Moulton – There is no parade and one person will lay a wreath,

Northwich – A service will be held in St Helens church and will be invite only, there will be no parade or act of remembrance at the cenotaph.

Saltney - Service and Wreath laying taking place within Church gardens.

Weaverham – There is no parade this year a very small service to be held at the Memorial bench.

Winsford – Small service including the Mayor and representatives of the Royal British Legion. Wreath laying at 11am and throughout the day. The event will be filmed for the Town Council Facebook page.

Many churches are now streaming services online visit: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/ for details of local church services.

Pictured - Chester Town Hall - by Nick Hastings.