The announcement of new measures for England to control the spread of coronavirus means that plans for Remembrance Sunday have changed.
There will be a short, virtual Remembrance service, including wreath laying video, on Sunday 8 November at 10.50am that anyone can watch: www.bolton.gov.uk/remembrance
There will also be an ‘Act of Remembrance’ service on the radio at 10.50am on 96.5 Bolton FM led by Rev Ian Smart and Rev Hilary Howarth with a message from Vicar of Bolton, Rev Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, and a reading from the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Linda Thomas.
“It’s with real regret that we have had to change our plans to commemorate the service of our fallen, due to this terrible virus. We cannot meet together for our Remembrance Service in the Parish Church as collective worship is no longer permitted,” said Councillor Thomas.
“I know this will be disappointing to everyone, including our many veterans who have served the country not to be able to carry out our Act of Remembrance in our usual way.
“However, I will be laying a wreath on behalf of the borough which the public will be able to watch through our website.
“People may lay their own wreathes at war memorials around the borough between 8 and 11 November.
“We would like to welcome people to show their appreciation and to take part in an Act of Remembrance by placing photographs, drawings and artwork of poppies in the windows of their homes, and places of work, in a similar way to which we supported our NHS workers during lockdown.”
Councillor David Greenhalgh, the Leader of Bolton Council, added: “Remembrance Sunday is, for me, probably the most important day in the borough’s Civic Calendar, and it is deeply frustrating that this virus is preventing us from remembering those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, in our usual manner. But we will never forget them and we will ensure that this day of all days is marked in a suitable, reflective and poignant manner.”
The council is also encouraging people to make sure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by taking part in a two-minute silence from their doorsteps at 11am on Sunday, November 8, 2020.