Vigil to replace traditional Remembrance gathering in Gilford

Posting on Facebook the group said: “Stramore can confirm that due to Covid-19 and current regulations to help people stay safe we will not facilitate a public gathering at 3pm at Gilford War Memorial on the 8th November as is traditional.

“Instead Stramore will facilitate a vigil from 8.30am to 4.30pm on the day. There will be people from the community at The War Memorial all day during that period and anyone wishing to be there for up to an hour as part of the core team just need to message this page with names and times proposed.

“Those who lay wreathes are invited to attend and do so at any time during the day and the normal activities will all take place during the day ie. The Last Post, prayer with Rev D Caddoo of St Paul’s, piping and anyone looking to carry out any appropriate activity such as poetry or musical tributes should contact us to ensure clashes are avoided.”

The general public are also invited to participate in the act of remembrance and Stramore Credit Union are providing Poppy Crosses for those attending to be laid at the memorial. Whilst there is no charge for these there will be an opportunity for voluntary donations which will be sent to Beyond The Battlefield a Charity supporting NI ex-service personnel.

The group said: “This event is open to all and is designed to prevent mass gatherings of people at this time it is therefore envisaged no more than 15 people will be inside War Memorial garden at any one time.

“The vigil will comply with any regulations in place on November the 8th for public safety.

“Any question or queries re this please message this page in first instance and you will be responded to fairly quickly.”

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