Owing to the expected upsurge in the risk from COVID-19 over the coming fortnight, the Project's management has reluctantly decided to action contingency plans and has released the announcement below.
The unveiling ceremony has not been cancelled, just curtailed in what is deemed a sensible manner. The health and welfare of potential attendees, particularly the elderly and infirm, is the Project's primary consideration.
This was a difficult but necessary decision and your understanding and cooperation are requested. The alternative was to cancel the event altogether and ruin the plans of many already committed to travelling from far away places including the Far East, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Southern Europe.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
It will come as no surprise to you to learn that the Trustees of the Vernon Project have, for some time, been giving serious consideration to the possible implications of the Coronavirus on our unveiling ceremony on 25 March. Whilst, at present, there are no restrictions on holding large events, it is likely that, as the disease spreads, such gatherings will be discouraged or even banned. Indeed, some countries have already done this as well as imposing travel restrictions.
Current medical advice is that the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk. With the utmost respect to all, many of our supporters fall within those parameters. The advice also confirms that the situation will almost certainly deteriorate dramatically within the next two weeks. It also strongly suggests restricting travel.
In view of these prevailing circumstances, the Trustees have decided that the only responsible course of action is to curtail the event before this decision is imposed on us and with, then, serious financial consequences to the charity with respect to catering and cover for the event, and to our supporters. The monument will still be installed at Gunwharf Quays later this month and, as planned, will be unveiled on 25 March but sadly with a much reduced attendance.
The trustees will then plan to hold a Ceremony of Dedication at a later date to which you will all be invited. The date of that event will be announced once the situation becomes clearer and safer.
The intention of the trustees is that those people within a radius of about twenty miles of Gunwharf Quays should attend. Others travelling from further afield are requested not to attend. Special consideration is to be applied to those from abroad who have already bought flight tickets, and whose countries, and the UK government, permit their travel. They may also attend. By this action your committee intend to limit the attendance to fewer than three hundred
The Trustees realise that this news will come as a great disappointment to many. However, the safety and well-being of all supporters of the Vernon Mine Warfare and Diving Monument is paramount.”
Despite the constraining effect of Coronavirus on the unveiling ceremony, the good news is that the Vernon Mine Warfare & Diving Monument is now fully assembled and the patination process started on 12 March. It is still on track to be installed at Gunwharf Quays later this month.
