Wrexham residents encouraged to mark Remembrance Sunday from home

Residents across Wrexham are being encouraged to mark Remembrance Sunday from home this year.

Normally huge crowds line the streets in town before gathering for a public service at Bodhyfryd .

However due the two week fire break in Wales, this year there will be no parade through Wrexham and only a small, closed service at the RWF memorial on November 8. This will be limited to a handful of key people, including representatives from the Royal British Legion and armed services.

However it is hoped that members of the public will be able to watch the local service on Wrexham Council’s Facebook page.

The arrangements tie-in with the introduction of a two-week ‘fire break’ lockdown in Wales, which starts at 6pm on Friday, October 23 and ends on Monday, November 9.

Councillor David Griffiths, Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic is one of the greatest peacetime challenges this country has ever faced, and the need to keep people safe and observe government guidelines means there won’t be an open public service or parade in Wrexham this year.

Last year’s parade through the town centre

“However, that doesn’t mean we can’t remember those who’ve suffered and given their lives in conflict, and I’m asking everyone in the county borough to take part in a two-minute silence from their doorstep.

“You can also watch the national service on television, and we hope to be able to share some footage from the closed service at Bodhyfryd online.

“Please don’t be tempted to just turn up at Bodhyfryd. The message from Welsh Government is clear, we all need to stay at home during the two-week lockdown if we want to help Wales get on top of the virus, reduce pressure on the NHS and save lives.

“We may not be able to come together this year but together, we can still ‘remember them.’”

The 2019 Remembrance Service

Ant Metcalfe, Wales Area Manager for the Royal British Legion added: “Whilst it is deeply disappointing that Remembrance events will be different this year, we understand that the decision has been taken to protect the health and well-being of all involved.

“The public can all still play a part in ensuring Remembrance Sunday is appropriately marked and the Royal British Legion are encouraging people to participate in their own personal moment of remembrance – whether that be watching the national Service of Remembrance on television or pausing for the two minute silence at home or on their doorsteps.”

As well as Remembrance Sunday, Wrexham usually marks Armistice Day on November 11 with an act of remembrance on Queens Square – including a two-minute silence at 11am.

However, this year’s arrangements will be different, and will need to be guided by the coronavirus restrictions in place at the time.

More information will be provided shortly.