Week Ahead: Armistice Day, Diwali festival and Children in Need appeal

Armistice

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month back in 1918 marked the beginning of the Armistice – an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War after four years of devastation.

To this day, it is recognised with a two minute silence, a pause to remember all members of the forces who have died in the line of duty and to honour the military and civilian sacrifices made during conflicts.

As part of its Remembrance week, with this year also marking 75 years since the Second World War came to a close in 1945, the BBC will broadcast the national silence on Wednesday.

People are also being encouraged to look to the night sky from their doorsteps on the evening of this year’s Armistice Day, in a collective moment of remembrance for the war dead.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has an online tool allowing people to “name a star” in tribute to someone who died or served during the two world wars and at 7pm on

Armistice Day, people are urged to take a moment to look up to the stars and remember those who gave their lives.

Coronavirus

People in England begin their first full week in the country’s second lockdown, after more national measures including ’stay at home’ guidance to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus were brought in last Thursday.

On Tuesday, the Health and Social Care Committee and Science and Technology Committee will continue their joint inquiry into lessons to be learned from the response to the pandemic so far.

An oral evidence sessions will hear from Dame Anne Johnson, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London, Professor Sir Chris Ham, chair at Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Care Partnership, and Baroness Dido Harding, chair of the coronavirus ‘track and trace’ programme at the Department for Health and Social Care.

Later in the week, on Thursday, Care England, which represents independent care providers, will hold an online conference looking at the future for the sector.

“The last six months have shown beyond all doubt that social care is an essential element of the continuum of care,” the programme reads. “The challenge now is to ensure that providers are ready not just to meet the challenges thrown up by the current pandemic, but also to build a better tomorrow for residents and those supporting them.”

Children in Need

This year BBC Children in Needs is celebrating its 40th anniversary and Friday night sees the return of its annual appeal show.

Hosted by Mel Giedroyc, Stephen Mangan, Alex Scott and Chris Ramsey, the evening of entertainment, beginning at 7pm, is focused on raising money for disadvantaged children and young people around the UK.

Golf

The delayed 2020 Masters Tournament is due to take place this week. Originally due to be held in April but postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the golf tournament will now run from Thursday until Sunday, the first time it has been played in the autumn months.

Festival

Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, as well as Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists across the world, will look different for many this year as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Usually synonymous with firework displays, family celebrations and group feasts, it takes place from November 12 to 16.

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