Communities kept at a distance by coronavirus nonetheless came together to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Some 20 wreaths were laid at the Norwegian Stone and the Debt of Honour in North Weald on Remembrance Sunday.

Because of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions the usual ceremony had to be scaled back this year with parish councillors laying wreaths on behalf of various local organisations, and the Royal Norwegian Defence Attaché.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman councillor Alan Buckley laid wreaths on behalf of the parish council, the Royal Norwegian Airforce and 56 Squadron at the Debt of Honour and Norwegian Stone(Photo: North Weald Bassett Parish Council)North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman councillor Alan Buckley laid wreaths on behalf of the parish council, the Royal Norwegian Airforce and 56 Squadron at the Debt of Honour and Norwegian Stone(Photo: North Weald Bassett Parish Council)

Parish council chairman councillor Alan Buckley laid wreaths on behalf of the parish council, the Royal Norwegian Airforce and 56 Squadron at the Debt of Honour and Norwegian Stone and at the parish war memorial at St Andrew's Church on behalf of the parish council, the Norwegian Airforce and North Weald Chemist.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: North Weald Bassett parish councillor Anne Grigg laid a wreath at the Norwegian Stone and Debt of Honour on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Defence Attaché and also laid the Community Wreath which was placed on behalf of all those in the community whNorth Weald Bassett parish councillor Anne Grigg laid a wreath at the Norwegian Stone and Debt of Honour on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Defence Attaché and also laid the Community Wreath which was placed on behalf of all those in the community wh

North Weald Bassett parish councillor Anne Grigg laid a wreath at the Norwegian Stone and Debt of Honour on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Defence Attaché and also laid the Community Wreath which was placed on behalf of all those in the community who could not attend the ceremony this year.

Among those also laying a wreath at the Debt of Honour were Epping Forest District Council chairman councillor Helen Kane and North Weald county councillor Anthony Jackson.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The commemorations at the Norwegian Stone and the Debt of Honour included numerous painted stones which were produced on the theme of Remembrance.

Three separate Remembrance ‘open-air’ and ‘social-distanced’ services were held in Chigwell at All Saints’ Church, St. Winifred’s Church, and St. Mary’s Church.

In attendance at the St. Mary’s Church service were the Chigwell Parish Council chairman Cllr Pranav Bhanot, Epping Forest district councillor Brian Sandler and a limited number of invited representatives of local groups and services.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The reduced number of attendees witnessed the traditional laying of poppy wreaths at the Chigwell War Memorial and observed a ‘two-minute silence’ to commemorate those members of our armed services that have made the ultimate sacrifice during both world wars, and other such conflicts.

The remembrance services held at All Saint’s and St Winifred’s were attended by Cllr Rochelle Hodds and Cllr Mona Sehmi, respectively. A poppy wreath was also laid at the Prince of Wales Memorial, in commemoration of those civilians killed at the Prince of Wales Public House bombing during the Second World War.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Three separate open air and socially distanced Remembrance services were held in Chigwell on Sunday. Photos: Chigwell Parish CouncilThree separate open air and socially distanced Remembrance services were held in Chigwell on Sunday. Photos: Chigwell Parish Council

Cllr Bhanot said: "These are challenging times which have made the services on Remembrance Sunday look and feel different. However, the importance of Remembrance Sunday remains strong. We pay our respects and gratitude to the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to secure our freedoms and values. Chigwell is home to many veterans and families of veterans, and we will always be indebted to their service, bravery and sacrifice. Thank you to the churches for hosting such meaningful services."