Organisers can plan events to mark Remembrance Sunday across Hertfordshire, including Hitchin, according to guidance from the county's director of public health.

Every year hundreds of people join together at our town's cenotaphs next to St Mary's Church to remember the sacrifices that have been made.

Our town and surrounding areas gave so much for the cause during The First World War and WWII, including Frank Young, who earned a VC, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Frank was awarded a posthumous VC for bravery only two months before the end of WWI, for, as his official military citation relayed: "Conspicuous bravery, determination and exceptional devotion to duty on September 18, 1918, south-east of Havrincourt."

But amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, there had inevitably been concerns that the planned events in Hitchin would not be allowed.

Now, director of public health Jim McManus has issued guidance to councils across the county to enable public acts of remembrance to be held - even if, inevitably the event will not be the same as in previous years and will be subject to a number of changes to be Covid secure.

Processions, according to the guidance, will have to be limited this year. And the passing of wreaths or flags, collective singing and the sharing of food will not be allowed.

The guidance is contained in a letter that has been sent to parish, town, district and borough councils as well as the Armed Forces Covenant Board.

But it also comes with a warning that it could be superseded by any guidance from the government, which has not yet been given – or by national or local restrictions.

According to the guidance processions 'if they must happen' should be limited to the wreath laying party, clergy, musicians and as few others as possible.

Handshakes and physical contact will not be allowed. And wreaths and flags should be handled by one person.

People will be able to line the route – but only if suitably distanced and care is taken to avoid congestion before of after the event.

And there should be no more than six people sitting together – with no mixing between household groups.

According to the guidance care should be taken to segregate those who are vulnerable from the main parties.

And the vulnerable – and their carers – should avoid physical interaction with people and surfaces as much as possible.

Face coverings should be worn by those not speaking. And ideally, it says, there should be no catering – and any food brought by attendees should not be shared.

Organisers will also be asked to draw up contingency plans should then need to communicate with potential attendees in advance.

And they will be required to record those who do attend for the purpose of track and trace.

Mr McManus referred to the guidance in a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board, saying there was not yet national guidance, but that the county had drafted and issued guidance related to Remembrance Sunday.

He said this was in line with their approach of highlighting what people could do safely, highlighting the impact the virus had had on the population psychologically – and the sense of grief.

[If you plan to take part in this year's Hitchin event, or are planning to fundraise, please get in touch with Hitchin Nub News as we would like to help raise awareness of such a vital cause.[.L]