Chesterfield residents urged to commemorate Remembrance Sunday at home

Chesterfield Borough Council is urging residents to spend Remembrance Sunday at home this year and commemorate the occasion in a Covid-19 secure way.

Remembrance Sunday provides the opportunity to honour those who served in our Armed Forces to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life, uniting people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds.

Sadly, due to Covid-19 restrictions it is not possible for us all to come together as a community this year for the traditional Service of Remembrance at the Parish Church, and the parade and Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial.

Instead, the council will be holding a short Act of Remembrance at 2.30pm at the War Memorial, to which a small number of representatives have been invited.

In the interest of their own and others’ safety – and in line with Government guidance – members of the public are respectfully asked not to attend the event, and instead remember from home.

However, while people are strongly advised not to come along to the event, members of the public are legally permitted to stop and watch as spectators.

Where members of the public do attend, they must:

• Only attend the event with their own household or those in their support bubble, or one other person (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside)
• Follow the Hands. Face. Space rule – observe social distancing, wear a face covering where required (unless exempt) and wash / sanitise hands regularly
• Submit NHS Test and Trace contact details to event marshals

The Act of Remembrance will be livestreamed on the council’s Facebook page and videos and pictures from the event will also be shared on its website and social media channels.

Councillor Glenys Falconer, Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “Remembrance Sunday is a very special occasion when the whole community comes together to remember the contributions and sacrifices of British and Commonwealth servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

“It is yet another event that is sadly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst it will be a massive disappointment to our residents, under the current restrictions we must act to keep everyone safe, and this means asking people to commemorate the occasion in their own homes.”

There are lots of different ways residents can remember at home, including:

• Holding a small Remembrance service in your garden with your household or support bubble, in line with the latest Government guidelines
• Creating a Remembrance space in your garden by planting flowers that have a connection to Remembrance Sunday
• Writing letters to veterans or serving personnel
• Using the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance education activities to help children learn about Remembrance
• Creating a Remembrance art piece – children could create a display in their windows like the rainbows for the NHS.

Chesterfield Museum has also created lots of great online materials that will help children learn more about Remembrance and both the First World War and Second World War. These are available to download from the museum’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum

As in previous years, the council has also decorated the Town Hall with the poppy fall display. This will remain in place for two weeks after Remembrance Sunday.