People in Mansfield are being encouraged to mark Remembrance Sunday at home this year to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Due to virus restrictions and in line with Royal British Legion guidance, Mansfield's Remembrance Day parade will not be going ahead as usual.
Instead a 30-minute service will take place outdoors, at an undisclosed place, on Remembrance Sunday and will be beamed live via Mansfield District Council's Facebook page (link opens in a new window).
The service, led by the Rev Canon Paul Bentley, is not open to members of the public. Only a small number of Royal British Legion members, a bugler, invited guests and council representatives will be present, including the Executive Mayor, Andy Abrahams, who will read a prayer.
Mayor Andy said: "It is sad news that the parade cannot take place this year but we will still be remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice through wars and conflicts.
"I will be honoured to take part in this service of remembrance and I hope many people in the district will join us in spirit by watching online and paying tribute in other ways. Let's show that Mansfield cares about its veterans and fallen heroes."
The exact number invited to the service is likely to be less than 15 and will reflect Government guidelines regarding social gatherings and events on the day. The gathering will be Covid secure and follow Test and Trace protocols.
The council will broadcast the service live through its social media channels from approximately 10.50am on Sunday 8 November along with messages of thanks and remembrance from the public throughout the day. There will also be a reading by a performance poet premiered on Facebook during the day.
Local people are being invited to share stories of their wartime heroes with the council in advance so they can be shared publicly on the day. Email marketing@mansfield.gov.uk (link to email app opens in new window) with your stories and photos.
Alternatively they are being encouraged to remember servicemen and women killed in action in other safe ways by, for instance, painting a rock and leaving it in a public place or by drawing a poppy picture and displaying in their window.
They can also take part in a national doorstep salute at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.
In the week running up to Remembrance Day the council will be marking the anniversary of Armistice Day in 1918 with poppy decorations on lamp-posts and soldier statue silhouettes around the district. The Bentinck Memorial will also be lit up in red.
The knitted poppies will not be hung on the Old Town Hall this year but a section will be displayed in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre from Monday 26 October to show support for the Royal British Legion.
Service of Remembrance
The Act of Remembrance
The Last Post with bugler
National two-minute silence followed by The Reveille and The Lament
The Lesson
Homily followed by prayer
Prayer by the Mayor
The Kohima Epitaph
Laying of wreaths
A prayer for peace and reconciliation
Act of commitment
The blessing.
Other Remembrance Day ceremonies organised by Royal British Legion branches in the district, including Mansfield Woodhouse, Warsop and Meden Vale, Bellamy Road and Clipstone, will also be following RBL and government guidance and be small invite-only events.