Public asked to stay home for remembrance services

Due to Covid-19 and the current government guidelines, the normal service at Muster Green and parade will not take place; this is to ensure everyone is kept safe in line with government guidelines.

Haywards Heath Town Council and the Haywards Heath Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) are asking that as a mark of respect, people who would normally come to pay their respects at Muster Green, STAY HOME this year.

Instead a small contingent of six people will lay wreaths on the town’s behalf, including the town mayor, the vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex and representatives of the Royal British Legion led by Reverend Charles Sargent. This will be centred around a two-minute silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, which will be called by the normal maroon, which should be heard across most of the town.

Even these arrangements will be subject to what restrictions are in place in November and a full risk assessment. As a result, the right to change arrangements is held by the Town Council. Please be assured any changes will be communicated at the earliest opportunity.

This service will be live streamed to allow many people to observe the wreath laying and the two minutes’ silence collectively on our Facebook page and then the video will be placed on the Town Council website and YouTube channel. You can also stand on your doorstop for the national two minutes silence.

Haywards Heath Town Council, who has coordinated the event with the Royal British Legion, said: “There will be no official service and parade taking place on Sunday, 8 November 2020. As the pandemic continues, nobody would be expecting around a thousand people to gather for our usually large public service attended by many elderly people including veterans and those who are more vulnerable to coronavirus.

"We realise these constraints will cause disappointment for many, but we urge you stay at home. Remembrance this year will be just as important, with a special opportunity being provided for many to take part from the comfort of their own homes, which we remind all is in line with the national advice.”

Personal tributes (those wishing to attend the War Memorial for a visit or to lay their own wreath or cross) can be made outside of the 10.50-11.30am time but please follow strict social distancing measures as our aim is to mark the day respectfully while keeping our community safe.