A RALLYING call has gone out to residents to come forward and help marshal Droitwich’s Remembrance Sunday parade on November 8.
The organisers say the appeal has been launched as the police are unable to support the planning of the event as they had done in the past.
Sixteen marshals will be needed to direct and help those attending the parade, divert traffic around Victoria Square and keep the spaces that are being used on the day clear. The assembly point and the march route have also both been changed this year to avoid main roads.
The various cadet, scout and guide, cub and brownie packs, along with the Young Firefighters and other groups will assemble on the Covercroft car park at 10.10am.
From there, they will march to Victoria Square via the passage between Barclays Bank and the Baptist Church at 10.28am under Parade Commander Paul Wilde. They will then form up in Victoria Square for the Remembrance Service, which begins at 10.45am.
As well as marshals, 28 volunteers are also needed at the end of October to sell poppies during a street collection for this year’s Poppy Appeal.
Sgt Matt Hooley, from operation planning, said West Mercia Police had not withdrawn support from Remembrance marches or other similar events but, in line with national guidance, police involvement with public events was focused on protecting life, preventing a breach of the peace and co-ordinating emergency response for any major incident.
He added traffic management, such as obtaining road closures and staffing on the day for pre-planned events, fell to the event organiser and the local traffic authority or strategic highways company.
And he said the police would welcome discussions with organisers to offer advice and guidance on the various roles and responsibilities involved in organising the event.
Anyone who can help with selling poppies should call Mel Bates on 01386 792414.
Anyone who would like to lay a wreath and has not already ordered one, should call Katherine Holmes on 01905 921557.
And volunteer marshals who will be needed for two hours on Remembrance Sunday morning should call Sandy Laird on 01905 773620.
