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Churches across north Kent will be going virtual to mark Remembrance Day.
The Diocese of Rochester has thought of an innovative way to keep its members involved in this year's commemorative services.
Poppy display at St Mary's Church, Bromley
Re-usable poppies have sprung up in the churchyard of St Peter and St Paul's Church, in Aylesford, while St Peter's Church in Ightham hopes to get the community involved in a craft-based act of remembrance.
Rev Ruth Peet, vicar of St Peter and St Paul's Church, said: "While we can't worship in church, we can stay open for private prayer and reflection.
"The church will remain open 10am-3pm every day for at least the next two weeks and we can still remember.
"We're inviting those that visit to help themselves to a poppy – all laying separately on a table and safe to pick up – and plant it in the poppy field in the churchyard."
A remembrance and memorial trail has been created at St Lawrence, Bidborough, to highlight the 12 local men who gave their lives in the world wars.
Visitors can explore the outside space at any time, while the church building itself will be open for private prayer for an hour each morning from 11am.
At St Mary's Bromley, a vibrant display of 100 card poppies will be complemented by a live streamed 10.30am service on Remembrance Sunday, with two minutes' silence.
Rochester Cathedral is also inviting everyone to join them for a virtual Act of Remembrance.
The service will include contributions from the Bishop of Rochester the Rt Rev James Langstaff, the Dean of Rochester the Very Reverend Dr Philip Hesketh, and music from the Cathedral organists and lay clerks.
The 20 minute service will be available on Remembrance Sunday both on the Cathedral's Facebook page and on its website.
It will also be broadcast again on Armistice Day itself, on Wednesday, November 11 at 11am.
St Mark's in Gillingham will be livestreaming a service of Remembrance on its Facebook page at 10.45am.
St Margaret's Church in Rainham is due to livestream a private Remembrance service from 10.30am on its Facebook page.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham will also be holding a virtual Armistice Day Commemoration Event on Wednesday, November 11 which will be livestreamed on its Facebook page from 10.45am.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: "We are very proud of Medway's rich military history and close military links and we understand how important it is to remember our fallen servicemen and women on Remembrance Sunday.
"Unfortunately, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic we must all mark Remembrance Day differently this year.
"I would encourage residents to livestream Remembrance services at home."
Vince Maple, organiser of the Chatham Remembrance Service, said: “Like so many things this year, Remembrance Sunday in Chatham will be very different indeed.
"My thanks to everyone who has played their part in making sure the scaled back service can still go ahead on Sunday.
"I urge residents to stay at home and play their part in the Chatham Remembrance Sunday service by watching the live stream which is being hosted on the Love Chatham Facebook page.”
To find out more about remembrance services, click here.
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