Banbury marks Remembrance Sunday with brief but moving service in People’s Park

The usually well-supported street processions and service in St Mary’s Church were cancelled and the wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial was much reduced.

On Sunday November 8, instead of more than 50 wreaths at a full ceremony, just seven were laid by five nominated representatives.

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.

British Legion branch chairman Chris Smithson led the prayers. Social distancing measures were in force and the ceremony was officially closed to the public, alhough a small number of people, including service veterans, turned out to pay their respects.

Remembrance Sunday pays tribute to the armed forces community and the service men and women who lost their lives in two world wars and later conflicts.

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.