Sheffield remembers the fallen in a different way this year

With coronavirus putting a stop to the usual style of Remembrance Day, such as parading and the laying of wreaths, the Royal British Legion in Chapeltown and St John’s Church are inviting residents to mark the occasion with a twist.

A spokesman said: “We were looking for a ceremony that draws people together in a safe way. So instead of the usual parade service at church and the War Memorial, there’s a chance for the whole community to celebrate with a ‘Cheer for Heroes’.”

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At 11am on Sunday, November 8, everyone is encouraged to come out onto their street to mark a minute’s silence and give three cheers for our heroes: those who gave their lives for our freedom – and those who still do today.

Vicar of St John’s, Rev Rick Stordy, said “Remembrance Day has always been a special time for the people of Chapeltown: usually many hundreds line the streets, the uniformed orgsanisations and Royal British Legion march past, led by the Silver Prize Band.

"Though we can’t do that this year, we wanted to focus on something positive that we can do together.

"We’ve taken the idea of the Clap for Carers earlier this year, and adapted it, so we can do something similar for those who put their lives on the line for us in conflicts past and present.”

The event will begin with the usual Last Post, sounded from Chapeltown Park, followed by a minute’s silence,and then everyone is encouraged to cheer ‘hip, hip, hooray’ three times, or make a loud noise, to give thanks for the heroes.

Rev Stordy added: “We hope it’ll be a wonderful way of honouring those who serve us, and doing it in a way that draws our community together. “

For more information get in touch with the Royal British Legion on 0114 246 7567 or St John’s Church on 0114 257 0966.

*The Royal British Legion in Chapeltown is part of the nationwide charity which exists to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed since the end of the First World War to remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.

From the editor

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