On the 12th November we again gathered at St Michael’s Church, East Wickham to remember in particular all those from our local area who lost their lives in the First World War, but also all casualties of war since then and in current conflicts.
The Mayor, Cllr Ahmet Dourmoush, laid a wreath and we were also joined by the Rt. Rev. Christopher Chessun, the Lord Bishop of Southwark, David Easton, Deputy Lieutenant for Bexley, Louie French MP and many members of our local community.
The focus of our Festival this year was to remember the role that women played in the war. Much of the music was composed, or had lyrics written, by women who had connections to either the First or Second World War and this included March of the Women, by Sidcup born Dame Ethel Smythe, which was sung by the WI Choir and had been adopted as the anthem of the suffragette movement.
Ella Robb gave moving and amusing readings about experiences in the Women’s Emergency Corp and of two local munichionettes, including Hanna Spash, who was “blown up three times”, met the King and Queen and was awarded an OBE for her courage.
Niki Jennings (stage name Nicola Brazil) sang I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables and Keep the Home Fires Burning and we also enjoyed pieces from the band and Bill Cooper playing the trumpet and Doug Snow on organ.
Thank you to our guests for giving an incredible total of £1,350 in our retiring collection. This will be given to the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust, which provides advice and financial relief in cases of necessity or distress among its members and their dependents.
We also thank members of the St John Ambulance and 358 (Welling) Squadron, Air Cadets for their invaluable help on the day.
Below are a selection of photos below from the day, taken by Richard Crowe, Adrian Buckenham and Paul Holloway.
The Guests Gather:
The Flag Folding Ceremony and performers
The Act of Remembrance and the Last Post
The Festival continues:
