Salisbury's Armistice Day commemorations scaled back due to Covid

The Armistice Day events today (Wednesday 11th November) were far smaller than other years, as a result of lockdown and the rules on preventing large gatherings during the pandemic.

But it was still a chance to honour the fallen who gave their lives fighting for our freedom.

Salisbury's Mayor, John Walsh, paid his respects at the Cenotaph in the Guildhall Square, on behalf of all city residents.

People did gather, maintaining social distancing, spreading across part of the Market Square too.

Salisbury's Mayor, Councillor John Walsh, has told Greatest Hits Radio it's still an important day:

"This is a time when, on the 11th of November in 1918, the Great War, as it was known - the war to end all wars, and sadly it didn't - came to an end. That event has always been commemorated in Salisbury."

A few Salisbury City Councillors joined the service, with prayers said by Reverend Kelvin Inglis, from St Thomas's Church.

99 year old veteran Malcolm Cloutt served in Burma during World War Two and says days like this are a chance to remember the fallen:

"I'm reminded very much every day of the friends I lost in the war, particularly my own crew. Three guys who had to go out in Burma ahead of me, when I got there, they'd all been killed flying wth somebody else."

WILTSHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS PAY TRIBUTE

Sports and Public Service students at Wiltshire College Salisbury have put together their own tribute to the fallen, at Five Rivers Leisure Centre.

They've created a poppy symbol on the ground using sports equipment like cones and bibs.

The students also held their own Remembrance service and observed the two minutes silence.

Public Services lecturer Claire Eggleton said that the service was extremely moving:

“A significant number of our students move into careers within the Armed Forces, and a large number of our previous students are currently serving, so its vitally important for us to recognise those that have gone before and those that currently or will serve their country in the future.”

Firefighters in Salisbury also gathered to respect the two minute silence:

HAMPSHIRE VIRTUAL SERVICE

A special Remembrance film has been created by Hampshire County Council, which has been streamed through the authority's social media channels and website this morning.

It's included reflections from Hampshire County Council's Chairman, along with poems and readings from the Lord Lieutenant and reservists who work at the authority, and a bugle solo from the Hampshire Music Service.

Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Melville Kendal said:

"Every year, cities, towns and villages across the county join others worldwide in falling silent to mark Armistice Day. Although this year, we cannot gather together physically as we normally would, we can still unite online to remember the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community. Through this new commemorative film, we aim to honour all those who have served and continue to do so, to defend our democratic freedoms."

Councillor Andrew Joy, Hampshire County Council's Armed Forces Champion and Executive Member for Communities, Partnerships and External Affairs said:

"As we stand together this year, fighting an unseen enemy in Covid-19, it's important we take time to remember the men and women who have served and sacrificed to defend our nation. We should also remember the debt we owe to those from the Commonwealth and Allied nations who stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the past to secure our freedom and a future for the communities coming together today."