Statement issued jointly by the Kingsbridge & District Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and Kingsbridge Town Council.
In 2020, the traditional Remembrance Sunday parade and service at the Kingsbridge War Memorial was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Twelve months later and restrictions on meeting people outdoors have been lifted. However, it is still possible to catch and spread Covid-19 even if you are fully vaccinated. Covid-19 will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future so we need to manage the risk of infection to ourselves and others. Therefore, and taking stock of the recent surge in cases, a decision has been taken to moderate the Kingsbridge Remembrance Sunday event on 14th November with no parade, no band and no involvement from community groups as the safeguarding of local people is paramount.
However, a short service will still take place at the War Memorial on Embankment Road for around 15 minutes duration only:
- 10.45 a.m. attendees to arrive at the War Memorial
- A road closure will be in force to reduce background noise (and enable people to actually stand in the road)
- Introduction and prayer by Reverend Jackie Taylor, RBL Chaplain
- Exhortation by the President of the RBL
- Boom
- Last post via PA system
- 11.00 a.m. Two minutes silence
- Boom
- Reveille via PA system
- Single wreath laid by the RBL and Town Mayor on behalf of the whole Kingsbridge community, churches and associations
- Words and prayers by Reverend Taylor
- Kohima by RBL
- Benediction by Reverend Taylor
In summary, while the above will be a much reduced Remembrance Sunday event, for the reasons provided, it will be sustained as a meaningful commemoration for the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community and civilians from Britain and the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your understanding.