Loughborough Concert Band

This was the annual Service of Remembrance held in Queens Park. It also marked the 75th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings and was held in a turbulent year, all sound reasons for people to come together to remember those who gave their lives in conflict. And come they did – people of Loughborough came to remember others in droves, despite the cold that made their breath smoke and caused hurried searches for hats and gloves. They came with relations and friends, several dogs, babies in buggies and the less able bodied in wheelchairs.

The Band played until the Civic Party was present and the Service began. We played quiet, thoughtful music such as Korb and Doever’s Highland Cathedral, Elgar’s Chanson de Matin and Revel’s Pavanne.

The service itself comprised readings and prayers and a tribute to those who died at the Battle of Kohima, many of whom were members of the largest multi-national volunteer force, the British Indian Army. It included the poppies that fell like tears form the Carillon Tower and ended with a blast of a World War One whistle.

After the Service, the band played more stirring pieces such as the British Legion March and Colditz March and the congregation responded to the more cheerful music. As the congregation dispersed I was reminded of the famous Kohima epitaph:

When you go home

Tell them of us and say

For your tomorrows we gave our today.