THE RECTOR of St Oswald’s Church in Guiseley has spoken of his “great sadness” at having to restrict this year’s Remembrance commemorations.

Father David Pickett, himself a former serviceman, said it “broke his heart” to have to introduce the changes - but the usual arrangements would not be in-keeping with sensible Covid precautions.

In a statement on Facebook he said: “With great sadness we announce that due to COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to facilitate the wreath-laying service at the Town Cross on Remembrance Sunday. The service at St Oswald’s Parish Church will continue as normal, with the names of those from our community who paid the ultimate sacrifice being read out and remembered. Hymns will be sung by the choir, with the last post played by a bugler. During the service a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the church’s WW1 memorial.

“Because of the need to socially distance we only have room for up to 85 congregants inside. We will though open the west doors of the church for those who may wish to view from outside.

“As a military man it breaks my heart to have to do it this way, but the safety of those in my community is my number one priority. To take a service outdoors that may attract up to one thousand people within a small space is not in-keeping with sensible COVID precautions. I hope you understand.

“Remembrance is, and will continue to be, at the top of my annual agenda. The memory of those loved and lost in the pursuit of peace will remain in our hearts. We will always remember them.”

Meanwhile Rawdon’s Covid-safe Remembrance Sunday Service will take place at 3pm on November 8.

A flyer for the service says: “The 1918 pandemic was responsible for the loss of more lives than WW1 and possibly for as many as both world wars combined. Rawdon Parish Council has set great store in commemorating those who gave their lives in service of their country. To pay our respects to them and also to those who have lost their lives in both pandemics we will deliver the safest possible Remembrance service.

“We will not, however, be able to include a parade this year, instead we will hold a socially distanced service on Littlemoor centred on the WW1 memorial stone. It will focus, as usual, on the laying of wreaths and the reading of the names of the fallen. The public are legally entitled to observe the service and so, in order to ensure this can be done safely, we are making provision for safe, socially distanced attendance at Littlemoor. To make this easier for us, we need you to register in advance. Residents are discouraged from attending without registering first.”

Go to www.rawdonparishcouncil.gov.uk and follow the link to the online registration form or call 0113 250 3680.