Music and reflection mark the 16th annual Concert of Remembrance by Eastbourne Silver Band
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A poignant atmosphere filled Our Lady of Ransom Church on Sunday, November 1st, when the Eastbourne Silver Band presented its 16th Annual Remembrance Concert.
Those present included the town’s Mayor, Margaret Bannister, along with local dignitaries, representatives of the civilian emergency services and ex-services organisations, cadets from St. Catherines College and the Eastbourne Sea cadet Unit and Air Cadets, along with the general public.
Centred around a powerful theme of “Their Legacy, Our Responsibility” the afternoon united everyone who attended with a mixture of music, spoken word, and solemn tradition.
The afternoon opened with the standards of H.M. Forces, along with cadet escorts, being paraded and laid on the drumhead altar and, in a display of continuity and honour, a retired service veteran carried the Torch of Remembrance to the altar.
The theme for the afternoon was expressed with a mixture of narrative and appropriate music, reminding everyone of the heavy toll and effects of trying to preserve peace in the world.
A reminder of the current troubles around the world were brought to mind by the inclusion of a local Ukrainian choir who sang their country’s National anthem and traditional song, bringing together memories and a present-day hope for peace.
At the heart of the programme, the Act of Remembrance, the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph were read out and ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ sounded, along with a one-minute silence.
With the departure of the standards the Torch of Remembrance was handed down by the old guard to a young cadet, signifying the solemn responsibility that safeguarding does not end but continues on through the courage and willingness of tomorrow’s youth. This timeless gesture was accompanied by the band playing “Evening Hymn and Sunset”
A voluntary collection was held, with all the donated proceeds being divided between the two organisations nominated by the band.
At the conclusion of the musical programme the audience and guests were invited to gather in the church hall and join the members of the Eastbourne Silver Band for light refreshments.