3rd November 2020
It is with deep regret that I need to advise you that there can be no Remembrance Sunday events within Chudleigh this year.
Until Friday of last week it had been our intention to hold a much pared down church service, parade and wreath laying ceremony. We were confident that we could deliver these events in a safe manner whilst giving local residents the opportunity to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of this nation. The prime Minister’s address to the country on Saturday evening has changed that. The instruction that people should remain at home and only undertake essential journeys has left us with no option other than to cancel the church service, parade and wreath laying. To do otherwise would, I think, leave us guilty of encouraging people to gather in the town centre. Clearly, we cannot do this.
I am aware that this news will disappoint many people. Remembrance Sunday is the opportunity to remember relatives who laid down their lives for our freedom and to mark that remembrance in a tangible way. This, though, has been a year like no other and leaves us needing to change how we mark this day. We fully recognise the importance of this event but urge residents not to gather in groups for their own safety. Instead, residents should mark the day with whatever individual acts of remembrance is most appropriate to them. Organisations and individuals are welcome to lay wreaths at any time up until the end of November.
John Carlton
Town Clerk