Plans go ahead for Biggleswade and Sandy Remembrance and Christmas events

With many events cancelled due to the pandemic, councils are endeavouring to make the final quarter of the year special, with Sandy Town Council already meeting to discuss how it can hold the Remembrance Parade and Christmas Lights display in accordance with social distancing rules.

A meeting of the Events Working Group was held remotely on July 2, and at a meeting of the Community Services and Environment Committee on July 13, members were asked to note the following update report, which stated: “The group considered the annual Remembrance Day Parade and the difficulties that would be presented this year as a result of social distancing.

“This would be problematic, both at the War Memorial where large numbers gather, and in the church, where numbers may be limited. It is also unlikely that a parade will be able to go ahead as in previous years.

“The group considered the possibility of having an outside service at the War Memorial where people could socially distance in Bedford Road Recreation ground.

“Spaces could be measured out and marked on the grass and masks could be worn.

“It would be dependent on the advice from the government at the time, but may present an opportunity for a small act of remembrance.”

The possibility of having a limited number of organisations in attendance to lay wreaths, with the reading of the names on the memorial and the playing of the Last Post, was also raised. It was noted that it could be filmed for posting on social media or streamed live to the council’s Facebook page and a YouTube link, which could be linked to a virtual service at St Swithun’s.

A Sandy Town Council spokeswoman told the Chronicle: “The Town Council is in contact with the Royal British Legion Sandy and District Branch and is having ongoing informal discussions regarding what alternative arrangements may be possible for Remembrance Sunday this year.

“While we have not defined plans at this stage, both organisations will be striving to recognise and commemorate the day appropriately, in line with government guidance.

“As our residents know, guidance and regulations are continuing to change week by week, and we cannot make any assumptions on what either the national Covid-19 picture or government restrictions will look like several months from now.

“Sandy’s Remembrance parade and service has always been well supported by the local community and the council is wary not to rush to a decision and set any false expectations of how this important event will be marked.”

In 2020, its lamppost poppies will be put up once more, while Sandy Town Council will also ensure some “Christmas magic” comes to Sandy during the festive season, putting its town centre Christmas lighting scheme, “complete with a lovely Christmas tree” in the centre of the Market Square.

The Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights, who organise the annual switch on event, are currently working hard to see what might be possible.

Meanwhile, discussing plans for Biggleswade, Town Mayor, Cllr Madeline Russell, said: “The Town Council and the British Legion always work together on Remembrance Sunday and we have not formulated any plans yet.

“We will have Christmas lights but, again, we have not decided on what shape any switch-on event will take. We cannot, of course, have the usual really packed Market Square for what is an important event in the town’s year.”

Biggleswade Town Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Grant Fage, added: “It’s a shame that we haven’t been able to hold events in the town centre [so far] this year, but we are edging back to normal.

“I won’t speak for the council, but I’m sure it will be decided in the next month or so. The strength and feeling in the community is greater than ever and people are more engaged than before.”