Annual Remembrance Parade in Cookstown called off

The parade is one of the biggest in Mid Ulster and attracts several hundred people to The Cenotaph each November.

Cookstown Branch of the Royal British Legion have announced that the traditional 11am service will not take place.

A spokesperson for the RBL said: “There will be a church service held in Derryloran Church, with Covid-19 restrictions in place, at 11.30am on November 8 for those wishing to attend.

“The Cookstown Branch committee of The Royal British Legion will meet at the Cenotaph to conduct a very short wreath laying ceremony after the reading of The Exhortation, the playing of The Last Post followed by a two minute silence to remember our glorious fallen, the playing of Reveille and the reading of The Kohima Epitaph.”

Any organisation that would normally have laid a wreath on the Cenotaph and would still like to do so; may do so by contacting Norman Espie on 07739 099 155, email [email protected], or Jason Lamont 07909 631 317, email [email protected], where you will be given a time for your organisation to lay its wreath.

The timed laying of wreaths is to prevent a gathering of more than 15 people at a time. Organisations are requested that only two members are present to lay their wreath with no standard bearer in attendance.

It is realised that the Government constraints will cause disappointment for those who would normally attend this Act of Remembrance, so for this year it is respectfully requested that you stay in the comfort of your home and not venture out to the short service.

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