Row over failure to hold Remembrance Day parade in Thornbury

The event has traditionally been organised by St Mary's Church, with support from other organisations.

But after they said they were unable to organise this year's parade, nobody has taken the responsibility to do so - something that has been described as a 'totally unacceptable sleight' against the town's veterans.

The Royal British Legion maintain that local authorities should be responsible for the delivery of Remembrance parades, but note there is no specific legislation outlining this.

But Thornbury Town Council say they have no statutory duty and therefore no budget to run the event themselves.

A Thornbury veteran, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We have local veterans who have served everywhere from Korea to Afghanistan, and in every conflict in between.

"It was local forces personnel who were directly involved in the provision of Nightingale hospitals at the height of the Covid pandemic in this country and service personnel who seem to be supporting every ongoing crisis.

"It appears the whole exercise has been a mismanagement of communication and lack of responsibility to take some form of ownership."

Revd Joy Ludlow, Priest-in-charge of the United Benefice of Thornbury and Oldbury with Shepperdine, said: "I am delighted that the change to a morning service enables us to hold our time of silence as close as possible to 11am, in company with the wave of silence and prayer across our nation.

"Each of our town organisations will be part of the service at 10.30am. The service will include readings by members of the various civic organisations involved, young and old, and a playing of the last post and laying of wreaths outside at the war memorial.

"Working alongside the RBL, town council, and so many of our wonderful local groups, we will be doing our best to welcome people across our community as warmly and as safely as possible.

"Other services are also available during the day across the benefice, including an evening service of Remembrance for our village church in Oldbury-on-Severn. I pray that each of these will be an opportunity for people to unite in prayer and remembrance in this significant year for the Royal British Legion.

"The Anglican community sadly cannot continue to organise our local civic parade but are pleased and proud to be able to offer a service which is open to all. The service will also be live-streamed, for those at home.

"We notified the other town organisations usually involved as early as possible of this change, in case other willing volunteers could take it on, and we would be more than happy to support a town parade in future years in whatever ways we can."

A statement issued by Thornbury Town Council said: "The town council’s role in the partnership, has always been to apply to South Gloucestershire Council for the road closure and support the organisation of the closure and parade on the day with it’s grounds staff.

"This year we were informed that all partners had been told that following risk assessments due to Covid, there would be a smaller gathering planned to reduce transmission opportunities. So, this year the partners would gather in the churchyard before the service and that wouldn’t require a road closure, which is typical of other similar events that have happened during this pandemic.

"The town council checked that all partners were notified of this change and the opportunity given to say if a parade would be required.

"All partners were given chance to reply, and we were informed that there had been no offers to organise a parade, so there won’t be one. The town council therefore followed this decision by partners, to cancel the road closure."

Thornbury mayor Jayne Stansfield added: “The town council is still committed to supporting the remembrance service this year and will continue to play its role in the partnership that organises this significant event in future years.”