Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Daniel Vesma said he is disappointed there will not be a town centre parade and Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial this year, because of the Covid crisis.

But he said the hard decision, announced this week, was made to protect Ledbury's most vulnerable people, and that the town would still honour the sacrifices of those who marched away, never to return.

The parade and act of remembrance usually attracts up to 1,000 people or more to the High Street, but this year, because of coronavirus, that was a risk too far.

Cllr Vesma said: “I am, of course, disappointed that this year’s Remembrance Sunday event will not be of the same scale as we usually see. It is vitally important that we protect Ledbury’s most vulnerable people, and the decision not to hold a public wreath laying was taken with this in mind.

"Regardless of the circumstances, or physical location in which we each find ourselves, the whole of Ledbury will come together in spirit to remember those who fell for our freedoms. We will do so with solemn dignity and an unwavering belief that those who sacrificed themselves did not do so in vain."

Following consultation between the Royal British Legion, Ledbury Branch and Ledbury Town Council it has been agreed that due to the Covid-19 they will not be organising a parade or Act of Remembrance in the Town Centre and at the War Memorial this year.

Instead, the Mayor, the President of the British Legion Ledbury Branch and the Queens Representative will be asked to lay their wreaths at 11am on Sunday, November 8.

And members of the public will still be able to lay wreaths, privately, at any time between November 7 and November 11.

And this comes with a second request, to help honour the fallen.

An official statement from Ledbury Town Council said: "To ensure social distancing and gathering guidelines are adhered to we would ask that members of the public avoid congregating at the War Memorial at 11am; instead we would ask that you all join in an Act of Remembrance by standing on your doorstep or wherever you are at 11am on Sunday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 11.

Following 20-years’ service as the organiser of wreaths and poppies, Lloyd Meredith stood down in 2019 and Mrs Brenda Hill has now taken up this role. Due to Covid-19 there will be fewer poppy sellers around the town this year.

But Ledbury residents will be able to get poppies from certain shops within the town, including Ledbury News, Gaynans Jewellers, One Stop and the Post Office Counter, Wellworth. It and the Homend and Parkway Garages.

There will also be 8 volunteers in various locations in the town centre following the launch of the Poppy Appeal on 22 October 2020.

Ledbury residents will also be asked to “Colour a Poppy” and display it in their windows, as a sign of respect.

Further details: https://www.colouringheroes.com/remembranceday?fbclid=IwAR0PyQhO9-l4VFjjnATGqSPgjTqYd-EtUAdODtEXfjqihjmRcLeHEZVq90k