Small memorials held across Sussex for Remembrance Sunday

At an official ceremony at Brighton War Memorial in the Old Steine this morning, four wreaths were laid during the socially-distant event.

Members of the public were asked not to attend in order to comply with Covid-19 restrictions, but a small number of onlookers observed the ceremony from a distance.

Ahead of the ceremony, councillor Mary Mears, chairwoman of the Brighton and Hove City Royal British Legion, said: "Although we are having to adapt and change the way we mark Remembrance Sunday, it’s as important as ever to remember our service men and women, and the civilians who have lost their lives in conflict.”

Cllr Mears laid a wreath on behalf of all ex-service men and women, while the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field, laid a wreath on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, councillor Alan Robins, was present to lay a wreath on behalf of MPs, leaders, councillors and citizens.

Small ceremonies also took place at the Royal Sussex Regiment Memorial in Regency Square in Brighton and at Hove Cemetery in Old Shoreham Road. 

Hove MP Peter Kyle attended a small memorial service in Easthill Park in Portslade.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, he said in a tweet: "Despite the challenges of our times, today's Remembrance service was poignant and respectful.

"Thanks to the Royal British Legion for battling adversity so well."

Despite the challenges of our times, today’s Remembrance service at East Hill Park, Portslade, was poignant and respectful.

Thanks to @PoppyLegion for battling adversity so well.#LestWeForget pic.twitter.com/CZhgE1rNse

— Peter Kyle MP (@peterkyle) November 8, 2020

Across Sussex, people were encouraged to pay their respects at home or on their doorstep at 11am, rather than gathering at war memorials.

Members of emergency services also took time to remember those who lost their lives in conflicts, including police teams, the fire services and Coastguard teams across the county.

Chief Insp Di Lewis represented all Police Officers today at the Eastbourne War Memorial. We all feel it is so important to take time to remember and give thanks. #WeWillRememberThem #CF161 pic.twitter.com/a3S6wqzbVH

— Eastbourne Police (@EastbournePol) November 8, 2020

On Armistice Day on Wednesday, the mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Alan Robins, will mark a two minute silence at 11am at the Hove War Memorial and the deputy mayor, Councillor Mary Mears, will attend the Brighton War Memorial.