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A message from the Chairman of the Fletching Branch of the Royal British Legion

By Lorna Thwaites, Clerk Fletching Parish Council

Friday, 6 November 2020

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Fletching Parish Council Contributor

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Please see the message from the Chairman of the Fletching Branch of the Royal British Legion

I know that the news we decided to cancel our annual Service of Remembrance has caused much distress in the Parish. It was not a decision we took lightly, not least because our very reason for existence is to maintain this important Act of Remembrance, so much a part of the rhythm of our lives here in Fletching. Since we took the decision, it has been brought to our attention that the Government guidelines seem to allow Remembrance Services to go ahead. However, we have studied these closely and in fact they do not permit normal Services. I thought it might be helpful if I were to set out the Government rules.

First of all, organisers are required to “keep numbers to a minimum, focussing attendance on those wishing to lay wreaths”.

The guidance goes on to specify who may legally attend such events.

“Event organisers should keep numbers of those participating in the event to a minimum. For the avoidance of doubt, the following people are legally permitted to attend events to commemorate Remembrance Sunday as participants:

  • people attending as part of their work (such as local councillors, local faith leaders, the local MP)
  • people attending in a voluntary capacity on behalf of a recognised organisation
  • members of the armed forces
  • veterans of the armed forces, and/or their representatives or carers

Members of the public are legally permitted to stop and watch the event as spectators, but event organisers should take reasonable steps to discourage the public from attending events, and be mindful of the risk that such events pose, especially to veterans who are often elderly.”

It is in the light of these rules that we have taken the desperately difficult decision not to hold an annual Service in which the community takes part. However, we will not let this important occasion go unmarked. On Remembrance Sunday, a very short event will be held at the War Memorial starting at 10.50 a.m. Richard Hannay, our Standard Bearer will lay a wreath on behalf of The Royal British Legion, as will Chris Rothary on behalf of the Parish Council. Tony Rose, a former Commander in the Royal Navy, will read the Names of the Fletching Fallen, and say the Citation and the Kohima Epitaph. The Last Post and Reveille will be played by Martin Evans and the Two Minutes silence kept at 11 a.m. This will be done on behalf of the whole community of Fletching.

I would respectfully ask that, unless you are a veteran or a representative of a veteran, you do not attend the short Service. To do otherwise will put us, the Committee, in a difficult situation and, instead of marking this event with the solemnity we would all wish, we will have to focus on managing attendees and social distancing etc, for which we would be legally responsible. Furthermore, none of us could bear it if we put lives at risk even if people were gathering for a good and right cause. Obviously if you wish to watch from a distance “as spectators” that is entirely up to you.

Please forgive the rather heavy-handed tone of this note. It reflects, I hope, the seriousness with which we have considered and made this decision. I hope you will agree that the most important point is, even in this most difficult of years, Fletching will commemorate those who paid the ultimate price and those who were prepared to sacrifice their all for us in two World Wars, and in many conflicts since. We will do this with reverence and love on your behalf this Remembrance Sunday at our village War Memorial.

In the light of the Covid-19 lockdown, we will very sadly not be marking Armistice Day at the War Memorial this year.

Please stay safe and well.

We will remember them.

Lisa Buchanan

Contact Information

Gabriella Paterson-Griggs, Clerk

  • 07534 959772

Find Fletching Parish Council

Fletching, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3SS

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Additional Information

Our meetings are usually held in Fletching Village Hall, High Street, Fletching.