THIS year’s Act of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday in Fivemiletown will more closely resemble pre-pandemic events as organisers work alongside the currently eased Coronavirus regulations.

Iain Lendrum, Chairman of Fivemiletown Royal British Legion (RBL) Club, outlined the plans for Fivemiletown and the surrounding area.

He said:“We are delighted to return to our normal format for our parade and Church Service.

"Members and youth groups are asked to gather at Fivemiletown Royal British Legion for 2.30pm. There will be a short Act of Remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony at 2.45pm.

"This will be followed by a parade along the normal route, led by Cavanaleck Pipe Band to St. John’s Church of Ireland.”

Mr. Lendrum continued: “The youth groups will disperse at this time, while the members of the RBL will attend the service.

"The numbers at the service may be restricted, but it will be relayed to the Church Hall nearby for those unable to get into the church. The parade will then make its way back to Fivemiletown RBL.”

Mr. Lendrum outlined plans for Brookborough which will occur on the morning of Remembrance Sunday.

He said: “The service and parade at Brookeborough will return to normal this year. The parade will gather at 10.30am, ready to step off at 10.45am, led by Maguiresbridge Silver Band.

"There will be an open air service at the War Memorial at 11am, followed by the return parade.”

Elsewhere, in Colebrooke Parish Church, there will be an Act of Remembrance at the morning service for parishioners and two RBL members. There will be no parade.

Sounding a note of caution as the pandemic continues, Mr. Lendrum said: “We are delighted to return to near-normality for Remembrance Sunday, but ... please remember to wear your mask when indoors, and maintain social distancing at all events.”

He continued: “There will be no house collections this year, but poppy boxes will be placed in a number of businesses, shops and schools around Fivemiletown.

“Fivemiletown RBL will host a coffee morning this Saturday, November 6, from 10am to 1pm. This will give members of the community the chance to purchase their poppies and other related items.

"We are delighted to have Murley Band playing for an hour or so during the event.”