South Ribble Borough Council has revealed a plan to ensure Remembrance Sunday can still be marked despite coronavirus, with a pre-recorded online remembrance service on November 8.

Remembrance Sunday in South Ribble is an important, well-supported occasion, with an impressive parade, cenotaph ceremony and church service.

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However, in a bid to keep its residents safe in light of rising coronavirus cases, South Ribble Borough Council has decided to cancel all proceedings that would normally take place on Remembrance Sunday.

Instead, a pre-recorded service of remembrance, which has been filmed at the war memorial on Church Road in Leyland, will be posted to the council’s Facebook page in the morning of Sunday, 8 November.

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Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of the Council, said: “We have taken this decision because it is clearly the right thing to do for the people of South Ribble and their safety.

“Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly, and it became apparent that a full Remembrance Sunday parade and service would clearly contravene Government guidance on large gatherings.

“That said, we all felt passionately about the delivery of an alternative – which is why we have pre-recorded a small remembrance service at the war memorial on Church Road in Leyland to be shared to the council’s Facebook page on Sunday, 8 November.

“Despite everything that is going on in the world – and the uncertainty we all face – one thing we can be certain of is the incredible sacrifices, bravery and valour shown by the amazing service men and women fighting for this country.

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“Remembrance Sunday 2020 should still be marked with unequivocal pride and admiration, and I am just glad that this authority has decided to proceed with this online remembrance service, which I hope the people of South Ribble will watch and reflect on during this important time of commemoration.”

Councillor Jane Bell, Mayor of South Ribble, said: “Remembrance Sunday in South Ribble has always been a really poignant occasion, drawing huge crowds of people who want to join together in remembering the fallen and paying their respects to those that sacrificed so much.

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“We will not allow coronavirus to thwart our plans, though, and I am delighted that we will be providing this digital service that means people can stay inside their own homes and watch the pre-recorded ceremony on Facebook. We hope it can be as poignant as services from years gone by.”

Residents who wish to lay their own wreaths at the war memorial on Church Road in Leyland may do so, however, if someone is already there laying a wreath, then keep a distance and wait outside on the pavement for them to finish paying their respects.

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Will you be watching the South Ribble Remembrance day service? Let us know in the comments below