Remembrance Day services in and around Whittlesey revised due to coronavirus lockdown

A statement from the town’s mayor Cllr David Mason states: “Remembrance Day events can take place and the general public are legally entitled to attend under strict conditions which include social distancing and the recording of personal details for contact and trace purposes.

“Without knowing the numbers that are likely to turn out at the various events planned for Whittlesey and the villages on Remembrance Sunday or on Wednesday, November 11 I have decided reluctantly that these conditions cannot be safely met and so the events in question have regrettably been cancelled.

“On Wednesday, November 4, a day before the official lockdown, I will be laying a wreath at Whittlesey War Memorial informally, but with due respect, on behalf of Whittlesey Town Council, and a further wreath on behalf of His Honour Neil McKittrick, Deputy Lieutenant, the Queen’s official representative.

“Cllr Alex Miscandlon, chairman of Fenland District Council, will lay wreaths at the same time on behalf of Fenland District Council and Stephen Barclay MP.

“In company with the Mayoress Mrs Ann Mason I will lay further wreaths later in the day at the war memorials at Coates and Eastrea whilst councillors Ray Whitwell and Bob Wicks will lay wreaths at Pondersbridge and Turves respectively.

“Any other organisation that wishes to lay wreaths at Whittlesey War Memorial is warmly invited to do so at any convenient time to them.

“Plans are in hand to broadcast a pre-recorded Remembrance Service through Fenland Youth Radio. Details of means of access are widely available on the internet and through social media.

“It is regrettable that this decision has had to be made; it was not undertaken lightly but I trust that the reasons for the actions taken are appreciated.

“Please abide by the Government guidelines and keep safe.”