The Coronovirus pandemic has forced Godalming Town Council to cancel this year's Remembrance Sunday parade and act of remembrance at the war memorial.

Instead, there will be a combined service and act of remembrance at the parish church. A two-minute silence will be observed, and there will be a reading of the Exhortation and Kohima Prayer, as well as the laying of wreaths.

Describing Remembrance Sunday as "one of the most important dates in the town's civic calendar," the town council has said in a statement that the new social distancing regulations would also mean reduced capacity for the church service.

At the event, which will take place on Sunday, November 8th, Godalming Mayor Penny Rivers will be joined by service veterans, civic leaders and representatives from community groups and organisations.

Service veterans who wish to attend the church service should call 01483 523575 or email to reserve a seat.

The mayor will lay a wreath on behalf of the town, and arrangements will be made for wreaths to be laid on behalf of community groups, organisations and private individuals.

People attending the church service will need to wear a face covering. Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal face masks can be bought here.

The service and act of remembrance will be live streamed on YouTube and Facebook: the link will be posted on Godalming Town Council's website and social media pages. Godalming Nub News will also carry the link.

Godalming Mayor Cllr Penny Rivers said "Godalming Town Council, in the pursuit of peace, acknowledges and fully respects our armed forces and hopes the sacrifices paid by those who have gone before is not needed as it was then.

"COVID-19 affects everything we do, yet we will mark Remembrance 2020 with respect, dignity and safety."

She also encouraged people to observe the two-minute silence at 11am on Wednesday, November 11th.