Private acts of remembrance recommended

By Chris Cornford Nov 4, 2020

Private acts of remembranc recommended

Remembrance Sunday parades across the Island have been cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Instead, people wishing to lay wreaths at any memorial are asked to do so during the course of the weekend and on Remembrance Day itself.

The Lord-Lieutenant and the Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council will still lay wreaths on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen and the Island’s community on Remembrance Sunday.
The annual Garden of Remembrance Service at Carisbrooke Castle on Thursday, November 5 will be held in a very restricted form. English Heritage have agreed members of the public wishing to lay crosses in the Garden of Remembrance may do so after the service at pre-booked times between 11.45 and 12.45. You can book by emailing lieutenancyoffice@gmail.com
The Remembrance Service will be videoed and available for viewing from Sunday, November 8.

Susie Sheldon, Lord-Lieutenant, said: “The act of remembrance is of huge significance to the Isle of Wight, so it is disappointing for this year we must all mark the day privately.
“Just as it is important to look back and remember the sacrifices made by so many, we must also look forward to a time when we have collectively worked to find a way through the virus.”
In the West Wight, organiser Captain Andre Usborne, said: “Under normal circumstances we would be having a parade at the Totland War Memorial on Sunday, November 8. This will not now take place.

“Wreaths, however, have been ordered by most organisations and they are invited, taking the necessary Covid precautions, to lay their wreaths at a West Wight War Memorial of their choice, at a time of their choice, on Friday, November 6, or Saturday, November 7.

“If wreaths are laid as proposed this will reduce the possibility of large gatherings. We are very happy to lay wreaths on your behalf if requested.”
Groups of no more than six must maintain a distance of 2m from each other or 1m if wearing a face covering.