The church clock struck 11 and 100 candles flickered in the still starlit night air around the War Memorial in the St Mary’s churchyard. Faces were lit up by the sombre candlelight, each one caught up in their own thoughts of a hundred years ago, when war was declared. We know now what they were facing. They knew only that duty called.
The Rev Claire Lording led the silent congregation in the simple act of remembrance of soldiers off to the front and of those left anxiously behind, coupled with hope in this turbulent time for present healing and peace.
There was but one wreath laid on the memorial by the Queen’s representative, the Lord Lieutenant, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft LVO, OBE, followed by the words of Laurence Binyon’s famous poem “For the Fallen”, written only a month after the outbreak of war: ...they shall grow not old as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them...
Then, as the standards were lowered, the Last Post, that most evocative of sounds, beautifully played by Melanie Parker, drifted over the sleeping town, ending on that rising note that speaks of hope even in death.
Later Abide With Me was sung, unaccompanied but with such comforting words for those approaching the end of their long lives, many from the British Legion, proudly displaying their medals, the symbols of service. What memories they could share of later conflicts.
Another memory now added for all present, including the Mayor Mark Willis and the Member of Parliament, Harriett Baldwin. And lest memories fade, there is an enduring testament to all those from Tenbury Wells and District who gave their lives “For Sovereign and Country”, in Roy Winton’s book of that name.
Cllr Ken Pollock,
Tenbury Division
Worcestershire County Council