WITH the Covid-19 pandemic still gripping the nation, remembrance appeals and ceremonies will be taking place in different ways across the Blackmore Vale this year.

  • On Remembrance Sunday, November 8, a parade will not be taking place in Gillingham. Gillingham Town Council and the town’s branch of Royal British Legion (RBL) are asking that as a mark of respect, people who would normally come to the parade should stay at home this year.

Gillingham Town Council and RBL Gillingham will instead conduct wreath laying on the town’s behalf after a two-minute silence at 11am.

Residents are encouraged to stand on their doorsteps for two minutes silence at 11am.

Representatives from Gillingham groups and organisations are invited to lay a wreath on the afternoon of Remembrance Sunday, in accordance with government guidelines.

  • Regarding the poppy appeal in Shaftesbury and the surrounding villages, this year there will not be face-to-face or manned collections. Instead supermarkets, banks and retail outlets will be offering poppies and stock and taking donations.

Shaftesbury’s RBL branch will be involved only with wreath and wooden poppy cross distribution, issuing primary school packs and receiving church collections.

The appeal fortnight runs from Saturday until November 7.

In its October newsletter, the Shaftesbury RBL branch said: “In the Poppy Appeal ‘s 99th year, there will be more ways than ever before for people to support it, some of which are new for 2020.

"The legion will be calling on the public to take part and wear their poppies with pride to show their support for the Armed Forces community.”