Kathryn Grandon, the chair of Babergh District Council, has urged residents to commemorate Remembrance Sunday, safely from home.

Public commemorations had been planned across both districts to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8 November, together with Armistice Day on Wednesday 11 November, but the lockdown in place from today means that public attendance at Remembrance events is no longer possible.

Some local events have been scaled back and will continue – by invitation only – to ensure they can take place in a Covid-secure way.

But even if we can no longer take part in person, it is important that everyone in Babergh is able to commemorate this significant date in other safe ways.

Residents can mark Remembrance Sunday by pausing for the national two minute silence at 11am, watching the Cenotaph service on television or join other local services online.

The Royal British Legion has also shared alternative ways to honour the great sacrifice of the fallen, along with our Armed Forces, including:

Using Zoom, Facebook or another online meeting resource to host or participate in an online Remembrance service or activity.

Creating an online exhibition of Remembrance related photos from residents that schools or others could use to discuss local Remembrance activities.

Writing letters of Remembrance to veterans or serving personnel.

Hadleigh councillor Grandon, chair of Babergh, said: "This year's Remembrance Sunday commemorations might not be everything we had planned, but we can still remember the brave men and women who gave their lives, in the face of extreme danger, to protect our country. Those sacrifices saved lives then, as we must all do now by staying at home.

"Honouring the memory of lost loved ones and heroes doesn't stop because of the virus, however we must think of others and follow the latest Government advice on staying at home. We can still come together virtually to share stories, observe the two minute silence at 11am and enjoy the televised service.

"We might not feel free now, but it is temporary and soon we will return to the world that they created for us, through their selflessness."

Go to: Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2020