Cliffe Bonfire Society resurrects old tradition to lay Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day wreath

The society honoured Britain’s war dead by laying a wreath at Lewes War Memorial on Sunday (November 1).

A spokesman said: “This year it was the wish of the Cliffe Bonfire Society to honour Britain’s war dead by laying a wreath at the town’s war memorial as is customary during our celebrations each November 5.

“The cancellation of the ‘Fifth’ due to the ongoing Covid restrictions prevented the society from doing this. However, a safe alternative was achieved.

“During the interwar years it was Cliffe’s practice to lay a wreath at the war memorial on the Sunday prior to the ‘Fifth’ and for this year we resurrected that practice.

“The Cliffe Bonfire Society’s wreath was laid on the war memorial at 11am on Sunday, November 1, by the society’s president, accompanied by the chairman and one committee member.

“No prior notice was given that this would take place to ensure no gathering of people occurred, thus keeping people safe and avoiding the possibility of any contravention of covid restrictions.”

Lewes Bonfire celebrations have been cancelled amid Covid-19.

Train services are being changed for November 5, amid concerns people will try to travel to Lewes despite the usual bonfire night celebrations being cancelled.

Emergency services and local authorities are urging people to rule out visiting Lewes and exposing the local community to an increased risk of Covid-19.

Cliffe Bonfire Society urged people to ‘act responsibly and stay away from Lewes’ this November 5,