'Remember at home': Armstice day events cancelled or scaled down

For the first time in 9 years the Pershore Schools Armistice Service will not be held.

The Royal British Legion nationally are encouraging people to “Remember at Home”.

There will be no parade through the town this year and a very small, simple service in Pershore Abbey for invited organisations’ representatives only, taking place on Sunday November 8. The Abbey can only accommodate very few people so, sadly, no other members of the public can either be admitted to the Abbey or be permitted to congregate outside.

A shorter online Service of Remembrance will, however, be available to watch on the Pershore Abbey Community YouTube channel at 10.30am for those wishing to participate safely at home with a link from the Town Council website.

On Wednesday 11th November Pershore Abbey Community will broadcast an all-age Armistice Service video on YouTube at 10.30am.

With the current pandemic and numbers of infections increasing, guidelines may change before the event which may, under those circumstances mean it will be cancelled.

A Pershore Town Council spokesman said: "Whilst this is disappointing, we are sure all residents will understand that we are doing our best to keep residents of the town safe and encouraging a gathering of people would not only be in contravention of government guidance but potentially devastating for the town."

In Evesham a small service at the War Memorial will be held on November 8 to those who fell during World Wars 1 and 2. A number of dignities and standard bearers have been invited in order to pay their respects.

However, in light of coronavirus pandemic the Royal British Legion, Town Council, Church and West Mercia Police are asking that the general public do not attend the service, but instead stay home and observe two minutes silence on their doorsteps at 11 am on the day.

In addition, those wishing to lay wreathes will not be able to at the service.