Call to stay away from Bedford during Remembrance and Armistice Days to stop spread of Covid

Royal British Legion is hoping to broadcast event instead
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Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Remembrance and Armistice Days will be marked very differently in Bedford this year.

Remembrance Sunday falls on Sunday, November 8. Normally, crowds would normally join an event on Bedford’s Embankment - but this year, organisers at the Bedford branch of the Royal British Legion are asking people to stay away to avoid the spread of Covid.

A socially distanced service for members of the Royal British Legion will take place and there are plans for this to be broadcast online.

Royal British Legion has made the call to help keep people safeRoyal British Legion has made the call to help keep people safe
Royal British Legion has made the call to help keep people safe

Armistice Day on November 11 will also be marked by a ceremony with a small invited group in order to keep those attending safe.

Robin Thomas, from the Bedford branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “With rates of Covid-19 infection rising and government guidance about the rule of six, this year’s events will be very different.

"Sadly we are asking the public not to attend and instead to follow events online, or nationally on TV or on the radio rather than risking the virus spreading.

“We know this will be very disappointing to people and we would like to thank everyone for their understanding. A small invited group will attend to show their respects on behalf of the community and remember those who have lost their lives in conflict around the globe and we hope to be able to broadcast this online.”

In the run-up to Remembrance and Armistice, The Higgins Bedford Knitting and Crochet Group is making poppies which will be displayed at the museum.

Donate your red, white or purple poppies in the poppy box at The Higgins Bedford by Monday, October 26.