Post by richnorri on Nov 11, 2006 14:24:03 GMT
Hello everybody.
I've started a thread on the 'Concert' board, because I went along to the 'Silence in the Square' this morning. Firstly, there is already a short report at Guardian Unlimited:-
Now for my story. I arrived just before 10:00, and headed for the stage, which was set up in front of Nelson's Column on the south side of Trafalgar Square. I came face-to-face with Daisy, who was watching the Charterhouse School Choir rehearsing. She recognised me, so we had a little chat, and shortly afterwards I met Charlotte and Melanie, closely followed by Steve Abbott and Becky from Bedlam Management.
Just after 10:30, host Ben Shephard from GMTV opened the proceedings, and introduced Rebecca Sullivan who read her moving poem 'There Lie Forgotten Men'. Then All Angels were introduced, and they began with 'Songbird'. They gave another very beautiful performance, and I noticed they changed the vocals around slightly, so each of them had a solo part. Then they sang 'Angels', which is going to be released as a Christmas single, with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. Again it was a magnificent performance by the girls, and I really do hope the single does well for them.
At 10:59, bugler Greg Forsyth of the Royal British Legion played 'The Last Post', and at 11:00 the square stood still for the two minutes silence. The only sound was the chiming of the clock at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The silence was broken at 11:02 when four Typhoon jet fighters flew in formation across the square.
The Charterhouse School Choir then sang Mark Blatchley's setting of Lawrence Binyon's poem 'For the Fallen', while the crowd followed All Angels in dropping poppy petals into one of the fountains. It was the final act of a very moving ceremony indeed.
I briefly met Laura and the other girls again before I departed, and I must say thank you to Charlotte, Daisy, Laura and Melanie for your part in making the ceremony such a wonderful and moving experience. You were truly angelic!
Best Wishes,
Richard
I've started a thread on the 'Concert' board, because I went along to the 'Silence in the Square' this morning. Firstly, there is already a short report at Guardian Unlimited:-
Thousands pay tribute to war dead
Press Association
Saturday November 11, 2006 12:08 PM
Trafalgar Square in central London was brought to a standstill for two minutes as thousands of Britons paused to remember those killed fighting for their country.
The Royal British Legion's Silence in the Square saw Britons of all ages turn out to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
Schoolgirl Rebecca Sullivan, 13, from Highlands School in north London read her poem There Lie Forgotten Men in front of the swelling crowd to rousing applause.
Rebecca told host Ben Shephard she was inspired to write the poem after learning about the world wars at school.
"Just how the people who went to war were really fighting for us, for our country, and the way they just got forgotten about because they weren't brought home and they didn't get a proper funeral," she said.
Girl group All-Angels performed Songbird and a cover of Robbie Williams' hit Angels, which they will release at Christmas, with all proceeds going to the RBL.
At 11am a lone bugler played The Last Post and the crowd descended into silence as hundreds of pigeons circled the square overhead.
Buses and taxis stopped and the only sound that could be heard was the ringing of church bells.
© Copyright Press Association Ltd 2006, All Rights Reserved.
Press Association
Saturday November 11, 2006 12:08 PM
Trafalgar Square in central London was brought to a standstill for two minutes as thousands of Britons paused to remember those killed fighting for their country.
The Royal British Legion's Silence in the Square saw Britons of all ages turn out to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
Schoolgirl Rebecca Sullivan, 13, from Highlands School in north London read her poem There Lie Forgotten Men in front of the swelling crowd to rousing applause.
Rebecca told host Ben Shephard she was inspired to write the poem after learning about the world wars at school.
"Just how the people who went to war were really fighting for us, for our country, and the way they just got forgotten about because they weren't brought home and they didn't get a proper funeral," she said.
Girl group All-Angels performed Songbird and a cover of Robbie Williams' hit Angels, which they will release at Christmas, with all proceeds going to the RBL.
At 11am a lone bugler played The Last Post and the crowd descended into silence as hundreds of pigeons circled the square overhead.
Buses and taxis stopped and the only sound that could be heard was the ringing of church bells.
© Copyright Press Association Ltd 2006, All Rights Reserved.
Now for my story. I arrived just before 10:00, and headed for the stage, which was set up in front of Nelson's Column on the south side of Trafalgar Square. I came face-to-face with Daisy, who was watching the Charterhouse School Choir rehearsing. She recognised me, so we had a little chat, and shortly afterwards I met Charlotte and Melanie, closely followed by Steve Abbott and Becky from Bedlam Management.
Just after 10:30, host Ben Shephard from GMTV opened the proceedings, and introduced Rebecca Sullivan who read her moving poem 'There Lie Forgotten Men'. Then All Angels were introduced, and they began with 'Songbird'. They gave another very beautiful performance, and I noticed they changed the vocals around slightly, so each of them had a solo part. Then they sang 'Angels', which is going to be released as a Christmas single, with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. Again it was a magnificent performance by the girls, and I really do hope the single does well for them.
At 10:59, bugler Greg Forsyth of the Royal British Legion played 'The Last Post', and at 11:00 the square stood still for the two minutes silence. The only sound was the chiming of the clock at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The silence was broken at 11:02 when four Typhoon jet fighters flew in formation across the square.
The Charterhouse School Choir then sang Mark Blatchley's setting of Lawrence Binyon's poem 'For the Fallen', while the crowd followed All Angels in dropping poppy petals into one of the fountains. It was the final act of a very moving ceremony indeed.
I briefly met Laura and the other girls again before I departed, and I must say thank you to Charlotte, Daisy, Laura and Melanie for your part in making the ceremony such a wonderful and moving experience. You were truly angelic!
Best Wishes,
Richard
