Local News

Remembrance Sunday marked in Banbury

08/11/2020

Wreaths have been laid at the People’s Park War Memorial

Remembrance Sunday has been marked at a small event in People’s Park today. Wreaths were laid at the War Memorial on Sunday morning.

The ongoing pandemic has meant the usual Remembrance Sunday events have been cancelled this year. Normally a parade of retired and active service personnel and members of the uniformed youth organisations would have marched through the town before marking the two minutes silence and laying wreaths.

This year marks 75 years since the conclusion of World War II. A small group of dignitaries met in People’s Park to mark Remembrance Sunday. Normally more than 50 wreaths would be placed during a full ceremony, but this year just seven were laid during the event.

Banbury’s High Steward Sir Tony Baldry represented The Queen and the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and placed two wreaths. President of the Banbury Royal British Legion branch Kieron Mallon also laid two wreaths – on behalf of the legion and for Banbury MP Victoria Prentis, while mayor John Colegrave placed a wreath on behalf of Banbury town.

Cllr Hannah Banfield represented Cherwell District Council and Cllr Mark Cherry was there on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council and British Legion branch chairman Chris Smithson led the prayers,

Chris Smithson said, “It’s very important that we never forget the sacrifices that have been made in World Wars and past conflicts.

“Many young Armed Forces Veterans from recent conflicts, still find it hard to come to terms with what they have witnessed. They suffer from depression and loneliness, with many unfortunately taking their own life. The Royal British Legion will be there to support them, as long as we have troops on active service throughout the world.

“Even today at home when asked, they are supporting us all through this International pandemic.

“We must never forget, We Will Remember Them.”

Cllr Mallon, who is also the leader of Banbury Town Council, said: “Remembrance is different this year but it is important that we don’t forget those who gave their lives serving their country.

“We will not allow coronavirus stop us honouring their memory. The government announced that Remembrance Sunday events could go ahead if they were outdoors and social distancing was adhered to – and we have complied with that guidance.”

After the remembrance ceremony, 40 more wreaths were placed at the war memorial by the town’s park rangers on behalf of other organisations that would have normally laid their own wreaths.

On Friday another Remembrance event took place when the annual Alcan Memorial Service was held at the Alcan Memorial Garden. Amazon Army Veteran Yard Marshals were present to lay four wreaths on behalf of Alcan past employees, Amazon employees, Banbury Royal British Legion and the Amazon Army Veteran Yard Marshals.

Due to the pandemic past Alcan employee’s and their families could not be invited to the event this year.