Remembrance despite Covid-19

Sleaford area residents were encouraged to observe a two minutes silence on their doorsteps but a limited number did stop to lay wreaths or observe the silence around memorials in the town and villages as civic and religious leaders held scaled back outdoor events.

Sleaford and District Royal British Legion also pre-recorded a service of remembrance with vicar Rev Philip Johnson which was aired via St Denys’ Church Youtube Channel for people at home. Branch chairman Major Clive Candlin suspected a number would turn up at the memorial on Sunday and attended with Rev Johnson.

He said: “I suspected that a number would turn up so I went prepared to ensure we did something. It was a very short Remembrance piece and was very much appreciated by the 100 or so who turned out. Members of the public who turned out to pay their respects and lay wreaths were really good and kept to the social distancing guidelines.”

Branch standard bearer Brian Harvey will observe the two minute silence in full regalia outside his home today (Wednesday) for Armistice Day, but nothing else is permitted.

At Heckington the Parish Council, the Royal British Legion, village and church organisations marked the occasion on the village green. A number of villagers stopped to observe the wreath laying while socially distancing.

For those unable to attend the event, a special programme was broadcast on Heckington Living Radio with Rev Capt Chris Harrington at St Andrew’s Church.

The area’s MP Dr Caroline Johnson had intended to lay a wreath in Sleaford but announced she has had to isolate with Covid symptoms.

Despite feeling unwell, she said: “I still intend to lay a wreath and pay my respects as soon as I am able to do so.”

Meanwhile Heckington runner Amy Parkinson is taking part in the Royal British Legion Poppy Run: “I’m aiming to run 111km between October 1 and November 30, with an 11km run on November 11 as a substitute for attending the Remembrance Parade I would normally go to.”