Clarification - 10 November
To be clear, residents can attend Remembrance this Sunday 14 November at St Alphege Church War Memorial.
The live stream is an addition. It has been organised for those unable to attend or those who choose not to join the service in person because of health concerns or vulnerabilities. The aim was to give these people the opportunity to join the service from home.
Revised news release - 10 November
Solihull Council will be holding a Remembrance service at St Alphege Church War Memorial this year. Civic dignitaries and local community and military organisations, have been formally invited to attend, while members of the public are welcome to watch the service and live streaming is available for members of the public wishing to pay their respects safely at home.
Led by The Revd. Canon Andrew Hutchinson, this year’s service will include the traditional two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths at the memorial. It will take place on Sunday 14 November.
The Council has asked representatives attending on behalf of the local community and military organisations to reduce their numbers to enable social distancing and is putting in place other measures to make the event as COVID safe as possible.
These measures also include live-streaming the service so members of the public can still pay their respects and watch the service from the safety of their own homes.
The service will be shown on the Council’s YouTube channel and live coverage will be available from approximately 10:30am on the day and saved on the channel for those who want to watch it a later time.
2021’s service is a particularly significant commemoration both locally and nationally as it marks the centenary of the installation of the war memorial in 1921.
It is also the centenary of the Royal British Legion, which continues to provide valuable support to veterans, their families and those still serving in our armed forces.
Last year’s annual Remembrance service was cancelled due to COVID and the service was pre-recorded for people to watch online.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities and Armed Forces Champion for Solihull, Cllr Alison Rolf, said:
“It’s great that we are able to have a reduced service for invited guests this year, particularly as it is such a special anniversary for the memorial and Royal British Legion.
“However, whilst COVID restrictions have been eased, the virus is still with us, and after consultation with Public Health and the emergency services, the Council will be taking additional measures to minimise the risks of transmission and to protect those taking part. The last thing any of us would want is for members of the public to contract COVID at this event.
“I understand many residents will want to help commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This is why we are live streaming the service to ensure everyone can participate, easily and safely.”
By respecting these guidelines, and each other, we can all play our part in reducing the risk of COVID being passed on to others at this event. For more information, email events@solihull.gov.uk or contact Louise Morley on 0121 704 8000.