Croydon will come together this week as the Borough pauses to remember the many brave men and women in the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in conflicts.
Armistice Day is on Saturday 11 November and will be marked by the traditional two minutes’ silence led by the Deputy Civic Mayor Councillor, Deputy Lieutenant and other civic leaders.
The moment of silence will be held at 11am at the Cenotaph in Katharine Street and all members of the public are welcome to attend.
On Sunday 12 November, the annual Civic Service of Remembrance will take place at Croydon Minster in Church Street. This is open to all and is not a ticketed event. Anyone who wishes to attend are asked to take their seats by 10.40am for the 10.55am service.
Following the Remembrance Sunday service at Croydon Minster, there will be a procession of military personnel and other uniformed organisations. They will set off from outside Marks and Spencer in North End at about 12.15pm, marching to Katharine Street for a wreath-laying ceremony at 12.30pm.
The wreath-laying will be led by the Civic Mayor and the Deputy Lieutenant, followed by the Royal British Legion, Executive Mayor Jason Perry, civic and faith representatives, the military and the general public. Everyone is welcome to lay a wreath – those who wish to do so should gather outside The Spread Eagle pub on Katharine Street at 12.20pm.
The following road closures will be in place from 10.30am until 2pm:
- Katharine Street and High Street (from High Street at the junction with Scarbrook Road, to Katharine Street junction with Park Lane)
- Fell Road
- St George’s Walk
Buses that normally use Katharine Street and Fell Road will be diverted.
Civic Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Tony Pearson, said: “Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are an opportunity for the Croydon community to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms.
“We hope many of our residents will be able to join these services, so together we can pay our respects and honour those who fought for our country, and to take a moment to reflect on those continuing to be affected by conflicts across the world today.”