12 November 2009Armistice Day pictures...Remembrance Sunday pictures now in our All Recent Features section.See menu on left.
Although at times the rain fell heavily this was a well attended and beautifully organised event. It was emotional for many but particularly for 22 families, these families saw their cherished loved ones, who died in conflict, remembered on a new plaque at Dover's War Memorial at Maison Dieu House. In a way the sombre weather was appropriate, dark gathering clouds hung all about us in threatening vein. This event, clearly not as high profile as the Remembrance Sunday services held a few days previously throughout the land, was nevertheless quietly well attended and with great and wonderful input from two schools above. I believe the schools to be Barton School and St Mary's Junior School.
A busy time for Rev David Ridley. Once again he addresses the gathered crowd at the War Memorial. In the foreground, as seen in the picture above too, the white crosses dominate proceedings. The group of people across from David Ridley are mostly Councillors and there families. The Dover Town Council has played a big part in maintaining an ongoing interest in these proceedings, working as they do in well placed harmony with the Dover War Memorial Project.
Calling an end to the two minutes silence as the rain falls heavily.The picture on the right shows the difference in ages at the event. In the background the elderly medal laden heroes, and in the forground the very young children reading a poem.
Another picture of the delightful kids taken from across the Maison Dieu garden/square with a softening long lens. All their pre-prepared homework in their hands, all different intrepretations of the poppy as you can see. They were singing a hymn at this point and staying focused and calm despite the rain.
A magnificent arrangement above.
The Collor Family were one of those 22 families mentioned above. Cllr Nigel Collor is well known about town, being both the Kent County Council representative for Dover and also a Cabinet Member with the Dover District Council. His mum Phyllis lost her brother Donald in World War II when his plane was shot down over Germany. The family experienced very sad times indeed but Phyllis was content at last to see his name included in this new aforementioned memorial plaque. Phyllis I understand is 88 years old and still on top of her game. We chatted as we took this photograph. I remember photographing Phyllis before when she was out there with the best of us waving her anti- prison banner. A true Dovorian. Also in the picture is Nigel's niece Lisa and and his sister Hilary. A big day for a lovely family. PB
Pictures by Colette Boland and Paul Boland
