Remembrance under Covid-19 lockdown: Exmouth pays its respects to those lost in war

A scaled-down, socially-distanced service of remembrance took place at the Exmouth War Memorial on Sunday, November 8.

A two-minute silence was held at 11am to pay tribute to the men and women who have served and sacrificed to defend our nation.

There was a small official gathering of representatives from Royal British Legion, Royal Marines, Royal Airforce and others.

The service was streamed on The Official, Royal British Legion Exmouth Facebook page live. CLICK HERE to watch the service. This was also viewable on the cameras in The Strand - ie by Franklins.

Neil Gregory, Exmouth Royal British Legion chairman, said: "We were very happy with the way the event turned out, and although a very scaled back service it was still a fitting way for us all to show our respects and remember the fallen and those they leave behind.

"In these difficult times it could be very easy to get caught up in the moment with everything that is happening, which is why it was important that we were able to take the time to enable people to have a moment to reflect and remember. Lest We Forget!"

Mr Gregory said they received many positive comments after the service.

He added: "The cadets were not allowed to attend due to restrictions from their respective HQs so were replaced by a father and child - whom has laid a wreath since he was four years old.

"Preparations started early, building on previous COVID-19 secure events and with the assistance of Angela from East Devon District Council (EDDC), without whom the event would not have gone ahead.

"The risk assessment had to be correct and ran to 10 pages.

"The biggest change was the number of people attending the event due to Covid restrictions which was a great shame as we normally have thousands attend both on parade and as spectators.

'We are unsure how many actually attended as spectators, the numbers in official attendance are on the service sheet, but the main thing was they all remained socially distanced and were asked to check in using the posters displaying the QR code for the event."

Thanks was given to Si Reed and Angela from EDDC for their hard work to ensure the event could go ahead and be Covid compliant.