Council Leader issues message ahead of upcoming occasions
Vale of Glamorgan Council Leader Neil Moore has reminded residents of the need to observe firebreak lockdown restrictions as we approach a trio of events that would normally involve public gatherings
It is Halloween on Saturday, Bonfire Night five days later and Remembrance Day on November 11.
This year the normal socialising that accompanies these occasions is not allowed, but there are a number of other ways in which they can be marked.
As meeting other households is not permitted either indoors or outdoors, trick or treating cannot take place.
However, it is possible to organise a Halloween treasure hunt within your home as an alternative, while traditional parties can take place virtually.
Other customs, such as carving pumpkins, dressing up, telling scary stories and bobbing for apples can all also take place indoors.
For Bonfire Night, families can make toffee apples at home, light sparklers safely in the garden with a bucket of water nearby or go out for an evening autumn walk with members of their household.
In order to prevent gatherings, all Council maintained parks and country parks will close at 4pm on Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Due to the current situation, the Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan will be holding only a small invite-only remembrance service at the Merchant Navy Memorial at the Civic Offices in Barry at 11am on Wednesday, November 11.
Sadly, it will not be possible for the Council to gather with organisations, groups or members of the public this year.
However, the wreath-laying service will be streamed live on the Council website and Facebook page for anyone that wants to observe it.
Residents wanting to pay personal respects are asked to do so after 11:30am on an individual basis in line with Welsh Government restrictions.
The Royal British Legion are also encouraging people to follow Remembrance Day through television coverage and to observe the two-minute silence privately.
To further mark the occasion, the Western Shelter and Hood Road tunnel in Barry are being lit up in red, the colour of poppies.
Cllr Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “At the end of last week, I spoke to you about the importance of observing Welsh Government’s firebreak lockdown restrictions as we bid to gain better control of coronavirus.
“Transmission of Covid-19 had slowed in the Vale thanks to our efforts, but unfortunately it has risen again recently. Please remember that the disease has not gone away and one of the easiest ways for it to spread is at mass gatherings and meeting with others who do not live with you.
“That means, regrettably, the social events we normally come together for at this time of year cannot go ahead as normal.
“I know not seeing family and friends on such occasions is difficult and I appreciate we have been making sacrifices for a long time now.
“However, it is vital that everyone continues to abide by the restrictions in place and helps fight this terrible disease.
“Though celebrations and commemorations will not be the same, there are still a range of ways in which they can be marked.
“Please enjoy the festivities with members of your household but do so safely. That will help us protect the NHS and the most vulnerable members of our communities.”