Peterborough residents urged to mark Remembrance Sunday and stay Covid safe at home

Remembrance Sunday (November 8) events will go ahead this year but in a Covid-safe way.

An invitation-only wreath laying ceremony will take place at the War Memorial on Bridge Street following the national two-minute silence, then the Remembrance Service will be live streamed from the Cathedral at 11.30am.

Both the service and the wreath laying ceremony will be live streamed on Council’s Facebook page, the service will also be live streamed on the Cathedral Facebook page, so residents can reflect and remember at home.

In line with the national restrictions put in place by the Government, Peterborough City Council, in conjunction with the Peterborough Branch of the Royal British Legion and Peterborough Cathedral, has taken the decision to cancel the traditional Remembrance parade and public event this year.

District and city councils across Cambridgeshire have also taken similar steps to encourage people not to attend events in person.

Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “In line with the national restrictions put in place by the Government, and with Covid-19 cases continuing to rise locally, we are asking everyone to please stay at home this year and honour the fallen in their own way.

“This is particularly important for older people and those with underlying conditions, and those who are self-isolating or in a period of quarantine.

“The safety of our communities is the council’s priority and we all need to take the necessary prevention measures to try and halt the spread of Covid-19, including staying at home, adhering to hand hygiene advice, and use of face coverings in indoor settings when coming into contact with people you do not live with.”

The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Gul Nawaz, added: “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War so it is important that despite the situation we find ourselves in, we continue to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We understand that many people will be disappointed that we have had to cancel our traditional event, but I would ask everyone to follow the national restrictions by staying at home and observing the two-minute silence on their doorsteps, and taking part in the ‘Clap for the Armed Forces’ immediately afterwards.

“Residents will also be able to watch the city’s live streamed ceremony and service, or perhaps display poppies in their windows to show support.”

Councillor Mac McGuire, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “This has been a difficult year for many and the need to keep people safe and socially distance means that we will not be able to commemorate Remembrance Day in the usual way.

“However, this year it is even more important to remember the sacrifices of those who protected this country in our darkest hour, and those who are serving in our Armed Forces today. Despite the changes this year, as a country it is vital that we ensure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by taking part in remote and socially distanced Remembrance activity.”

Residents will be able to watch the live stream from 10.57am at https://www.facebook.com/PeterboroughCC and

https://www.facebook.com/PeterboroughCathedral.

The Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal looks slightly different this year. Supporters are being asked to order poppies online from rbl.org.uk/poppyappeal and get them delivered, or to print off their own and put them in their windows.

This week’s Peterborough Telegraph newspaper also includes a Poppy poster that residents can display in their window to support the appeal.

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