Salisbury asked to pay respects at home on Remembrance Sunday
A service is taking place but a limited number of people will be involved.
As the country pays their respects today (Sunday 8th November) to the soldiers who lost their lives during both World Wars, the people of Salisbury are being asked to remain at home.
With the second lockdown in place, we are being told to not gather in large groups, so a service is being held at the War Memorial for just a few people, without marching troops.
These include Reverend Kelvin Inglis from St Thomas's Church, members of the Royal British Legion and Mayor of Salisbury John Walsh.
Mayor Walsh will be laying a wreath on behalf of Salisbury residents:
He said:
"In this extraordinary year, I encourage those who wish to pay their respects and remember the sacrifice of our Armed Forces to do so in their own homes. On that day I will lay a wreath on the city's War Memorial on behalf of all city residents. In this way, the city can pay its respects without creating a large gathering on Sunday morning. This is a very important day nationally and for Salisbury and I hope you will understand the restrictions put in place."
The Royal British Legion have set up a page to donate and download a poppy which you can then print off and display at home.
People are also being asked to remain home for Armistice Day on Wednesday (11th November).
FORDINGBRIDGE COMMEMORATIONS
Similarly, Fordingbridge Town Council have asked members of the public to not gather for the event.
They have cancelled the usual service at the at the Memorial Gardens, with a short one taking place at 11am with the Mayor of Fordingbridge, Edward Hale, and the Rector Gary Phibrick of Avon Valley Churches in attendance.
Mayor Edward Hale has issued a statement:
"Paying our respects to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and later conflicts is very important, and so it is with deep sadness that I am making this extraordinary request and asking people not to attend the service at the War Memorial this year".
Avon Valley Churches will be streaming a Remembrance film which can be watched online from home.
You can do so by visiting their Facebook page.
AMESBURY MARKS REMEMBRANCE
Meanwhile, Amesbury Town Council have pre-recorded a remembrance service.
It's been filmed in different locations around the town and features poems read by the Mayor, Amesbury Royal British Legion and pupils from Stonehenge School.
People can watch the stream on Sunday from 10:50am by going to facebook.com/amesburytowncouncil.
TIDWORTH EVENT GOING AHEAD
The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Mrs Sarah Troughton, will attend a short service at the Tidworth War Memorial this morning.
A bugler will play the Last Post, marking the two minutes’ silence, while war memorial names will be read out and wreaths will be laid.
WILTSHIRE COUNCIL HONOURS THE FALLEN
A poppy's been put onto the front of County Hall for Remembrance time.
Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
“Despite everything that’s going on at the moment, it is so important for us all to take time out today and reflect on all those that made such a sacrifice on our behalf.
“We of course wish we could gather in large numbers to pay tribute, that’s the very least these heroes deserve, however this year we ask that if you can, please pay your respects safely at home.
“We are so proud of Wiltshire’s rich Armed Forces heritage and, on behalf of Wiltshire Council, I sincerely thank them for everything they do for all of us.”