REMEMBRANCE Day services across the conurbation and elsewhere in Dorset and the New Forest have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with many commemorations not taking place this year.

Some towns have chosen to adapt and mark the day virtually, while others have cancelled all plans.

However, many people will be marking the day with a two-minute silence on their doorsteps to honour the occasion.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

BCP council has announced that people will be unable to come together in the usual way to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.

Instead, there will be short private services in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch on Sunday, November 8, attended by a small civic party including the Mayor of each town.

Short private services will also take place in Bournemouth and Poole on Wednesday, November 11, with representation from the armed forces.

However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, members of the public are unable to attend this year, and no further details of the events will be available.

Chairman of BCP Council, councillor David Flagg said: "This year is unlike anything we have ever experienced before, and we recognise that many will be deeply disappointed. Although we are unable to join together this Remembrance Sunday, we will not let the day pass by without the recognition it deserves. We encourage those who wish to mark the occasion to follow the live TV coverage from the safety of their own home, and pause for the Two Minute Silence in their home or on their doorstep."

Dorset

Dorset Council will be honouring veterans and live-streaming its annual Remembrance service this year to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.

The service will take place at 10.45am on Wednesday, November 11 and will be a short, socially distanced event.

The service will be led by Reverend John Yarrien with a maximum of eight wreaths being laid.

The event can be watched via Dorset Council on Facebook.

Chairman of Dorset Council, councillor Val Pothecary said: "The pandemic means that this Remembrance service will be very different, but it will not stop us from honouring the sacrifice of the fallen and valour of our veterans. We hope that residents will join the service via the live-stream on Wednesday, November 11."

A bugler will be in attendance and the Lord Lieutenant and Major Dan Tanner will read the Exhortation and Kohima respectively. Invitations have been strictly limited with a maximum of 14 persons in attendance.

The event will comply with any restrictions or guidance in place at the time but these arrangements may change if there is a change in official government guidance

Ringwood

In Ringwood, plans for marking Remembrance Day have been significantly reduced.

The organising committee has cancelled plans for the normal Ringwood Remembrance Day Civic Services, together with the procession through town and the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial being open to the general public.

Town Mayor, Tony Ring said: "Whilst it is with considerable regret that we have had to reduce our plans for Remembrance Day this year, it would be inappropriate and inexcusable for there to be no recognition of Remembrance.

"We are currently in the process of arranging to film and live stream a Remembrance Service at the War Memorial on Sunday, November 8 at which representatives from the Town Council, Churches and Royal British Legion will attend."

The organisers are requesting that the public do not attend the War Memorial on Sunday, November 8 from 10.30am to 11.30am to allow for the service to go ahead.

Individuals and organisations wishing to place wreaths and individual tributes at the War Memorial are invited to do so before the service.

New Milton

This year there will be no marching band, parade or Service of Remembrance at the Memorial Centre.

However, a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial has been planned.

At 11am there will be two minutes silence and the Mayor and the President of the British Legion will lay wreaths at the War Memorial, dispersing quickly thereafter.

The Town Clerk, Graham Flexman said: "This isn’t an arranged event this year, but we understand the community want to pay their respects. We have to give serious consideration to the public’s health and safety at this time. The wreath-laying will be done in a Covid-managed way and a risk assessment has been completed.

"If members of the public choose to come to the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, we ask that they adhere to the Covid-19 guidance. Wear a mask and make space for others around you. Please do not gather socially and leave the area quickly and safely."Ly

Lymington

The Town Council has been advised by the Lymington branch of the Royal British Legion that no parade will take place this year.

The council recommends that people liaise with churches in the area as well as their local Royal British Legion regarding any other arrangements that may be taking place.