Here's what you need to know about South Ribble's Remembrance Day plans

South Ribble’s usual Remembrance Day parade and ceremony have been cancelled due to rising coronavirus cases.
Leyland's Church Road war memorialLeyland's Church Road war memorial
Leyland's Church Road war memorial

But the poignant day can still be marked with a pre-recorded online remembrance service, which has been filmed at the war memorial on Church Road in Leyland, set to be published to

Facebook on November 8.

Only a very small number of dignitaries feature in the video, including the leader of the council, Coun Paul Foster; the Mayor of South Ribble, Coun Jane Bell; the Deputy Lord Lieutenant

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of Lancashire, Charles Hadcock; and Rev David Whitehouse, the Vicar at St Andrew’s Church.

Coun Paul Foster, leader of the council, said: “We have taken this decision because it is clearly the right thing to do for the people of South Ribble and their safety.

“Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly, and it became apparent that a full Remembrance Sunday parade and service would clearly contravene Government guidance on large gatherings.

“That said, we all felt passionately about the delivery of an alternative – which is why we have pre-recorded a small remembrance service at the war memorial.

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“Despite everything that is going on in the world – and the uncertainty we all face – one thing we can be certain of is the incredible sacrifices, bravery and valour shown by the amazing

service men and women fighting for this country.”

Coun Jane Bell, mayor of South Ribble, said: “Remembrance Sunday in South Ribble has always been a really poignant occasion.

“I am delighted that we will be providing this digital service that means people can stay inside their own homes and watch the pre-recorded ceremony on Facebook.”

Coun Derek Forrest, Armed Forces champion at South Ribble Borough Council, said: “It is simply unsafe to conduct a full-blown parade and ceremony like we normally would, and we

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must always have our residents’ safety at the very forefront of our minds.

“Remembrance Sunday continues to serve as an important reminder that conflict, hate, aggression and retaliation are never the solution, nor the behaviours, that we want to see in our

society.”

To watch the video, go to: www.facebook.com/mysouthribble.

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