Unfortunately there will be no Church Service of Remembrance this year. However, the Parish Council has decided temporarily to move the recently installed “Soldier Silhouette” from the Stocks to Castle Green on the morning of November 11th. It’s an odd fact that Sulgrave has never had an outdoor war memorial such as is usual in other villages. The “Soldier” will therefore serve as a memorial where a wreath and individual poppies can be laid and as a focus for those wishing to hear the names of the fallen read out and keep the two minutes silence at 11 am. As this will be an outdoor event it will be allowable under the current “lockdown” rules as long as social distances are observed. All are welcome to this event.

Sulgrave Royal British Legion Poppy Day Appeal

Very sadly coronovirus restrictions make it impossible for Donald Taylor to make his usual personal house to house collection this year and he will be missed. Donald is such a welcome figure in the village with his cap, tie and medals. He works hard to collect money for the Royal British Legion. Each year Donald has raised more than the previous year, last year over £1200 was given by villagers. He writes “Sulgrave is well known for the generosity shown by all, please in this year of exceptional need continue this tradition”.

There will be a collection box in the shop (remember to wear your mask) or donations can be made online at:

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways to give/donate

In the above picture, Donald is standing in the churchyard behind the Commonwealth War Grave Commission headstone dedicated to his aunt, Lilian Taylor, who died in the great influenza epidemic in 1918 at the end of the Great War. As we try to get through our own epidemic, those keeping the two minutes silence on Castle Green might like to walk the few yards to Lilian’s grave and pause to pay their respects.

Those who have not seen it may like to click here to read the stories of two “local heroes” and also those of all 18 of the men and women of the village who lost their lives in two world wars. (Please note: This link will take you to an historic entry with references to events that are clearly outdated). I find that reminding myself of the short lives of those honoured on the church memorial by reading the details on the website beforehand makes the two minute silence even more poignant.