Armistice Day 2020 at Barkers Pool in SheffieldArmistice Day 2020 at Barkers Pool in Sheffield
Armistice Day 2020 at Barkers Pool in Sheffield

Sheffield falls silent to remember the fallen on Armistice Day like no other

Sheffield fell silent on Tuesday for an Armistice Day unlike any other.

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, people stood all over the city in quiet contemplation just as they have done for more than 100 years.

However, due to the continuing coronavirus crisis, services were substantially scaled back while most elderly veterans reluctantly stayed away.

At Barker’s Pool in Sheffield city centre, dozens of people gathered to pay their respects to the fallen while still following the strict social-distancing rules imposed by the Government.

They were joined by members of the Sheffield Royal British Legion who laid wreaths on behalf of their former comrades.

The Union Flag was also flown from the war memorial while the city centre came to a halt for an impeccably observed two minutes’ silence.

Similar scenes were seen at Sheffield railway station where station staff, officers from the British Transport Police and members of the public also observed the act of remembrance at 11am.

Sadly, most veterans were unable to attend this year’s events due to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.

And the virus has also had a huge effect on the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal with sellers being unable to collect in the way they usually would.

Nevertheless, small events also took place around the city with many residents keen to show their appreciation even in the unusual circumstances everyone in Sheffield is living through.

In Frechville, the estate’s war memorial was decked out with poppy wreaths, flowers, painted stones and photos.

In Mosborough, parishioners at St Mark’s Church on High Street created hundreds of knitted poppies arranged into a cascade on one of the church’s walls.

And at Pipwoth Community Primary School in Castlebeck, the children had created an Armistice Day display on the school gates, complete with dozens of red poppies and war poetry.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.