Remembrance 2020
The Royal British Legion have limited what Julie Jordan can do for this year's Poppy Appeal, so poppy boxes will be placed only in: Evenlode DIY; Post Office; Lloyds the Chemist; Sports and Social Club; Co-op; Spar; Tesco Garage; Roundabout Garage; Long Hanborough Mini Garage; Evenlode Pub. Wreaths have been ordered for all the usual organizations. On 24 October from 10am to 12noon, Julie will be running a stall in the Square or possibly by the Baptist Church.
The Legion, far from encouraging its members and the public to take part in Remembrance activities, this year discourages them from putting themselves and others at risk by doing so. Advice is that those not able to take part in one of the village’s church services might wish to watch on BBC1 the simple Cenotaph Service, or pause for two minutes in their homes or standing on their doorsteps. It is suggested that they might wish to put poppies in a window.
In discussion with the Chairman of the Parish Council, Gordon Beach, it has been decided that in Eynsham, on Remembrance Sunday, there will be NO parade, nor the large assembly of church goers and other villagers in front of the War Memorial at 11am; Remembrance activities will be limited to the following:
Remembrance Sunday, 8 November
It is anticipated that the three churches will hold their services, real or virtual, at a time to allow them to include the two-minute silence at 11am. It is hoped that a reading of the Roll of Honour will be included in their orders of service and - if possible - recordings of the Last Post and Reveille played at the start and end, respectively, of the silence.
Wednesday 11 November at 11am
"Silence in the Square"
At 10.55 there will be a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial, with the Exhortation preceding the 2-minute silence at 11.00. The silence will be ended by the reading of the Kohima Epitaph. This will be followed by the laying of wreaths to conclude proceedings. Those present will be asked to observe social distancing and to make sure that those laying wreaths can do so as they move forward - in turn - to the Memorial.
Those attending Silence in the Square are asked to bring a mask with them in case 2-metre social distancing becomes difficult.
Mike Stephens,
Chairman - Eynsham Branch, The Royal British Legion