Remembrance Day services will go ahead in Blaenau Gwent during the national ‘firebreak’ period, but for limited numbers of invited guests only.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that although national restrictions will still be in place to regain control of Coronavirus, that organised Remembrance services on Sunday, 8th November 2020 can go ahead in a controlled and safe manner, and with social distancing and other safeguards in place. There will be no parades this year.
We are asking people not to turn up to any services unless they are officially invited, and to please not attend at their local Cenotaph during the hours of 10am and 11.30am on Sunday, 8th November when services are taking place. Also, do not gather in groups to mark the occasion either outdoors or indoors. Cenotaphs across Blaenau Gwent will be open for residents to pay their respects individually at other times, but we ask that you don’t arrange to meet anyone outside your household and that you consider social distancing while you are there.
There are plenty of other ways to support the 2020 Poppy Appeal during this unprecedented year. Visit the Royal British Legion website which has plenty of ideas on how you could get involved in this year’s appeal and show your respects without even leaving your own home. Go to - https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
Councillor Brian Thomas, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Armed Forces Champion says:
“Remembrance Day is always a key event in the Blaenau Gwent calendar, and we understand that people naturally want to pay their respects to the men and women who have made enormous sacrifices during two World Wars and other conflicts. Remembrance will go ahead but this year we have to do it in a safe and controlled manner and in line with the current measures put in place by Welsh Government to regain control of Coronavirus in Wales. We ask that you help us to work to Keep Wales Safe by please following the advice we have issued in relation to services and gatherings this year. In those famous words, hopefully ‘we’ll meet again’ to mark the occasion more fittingly next year.”
Remembrance events in Blaenau Gwent are organised by local organisations including the local Royal British Legion (RBL), Town and Community Councils and supported by the Council. The Council’s Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) will work with the organisers on the planning of events and recommend any additional precautions that must be taken to minimise the spread of Covid-19 and protect attendees. Those organising the events have been provided with a series of strict rules to ensure the events are Covid Secure and safe for all in attendance.