The Field of Remembrance
Date: Thursday November 5th
St Margaret’s Church Westminster London
Every November the annual Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey is organised and run by The Poppy Factory.
Over 350 plots for regimental and other associations are laid out in the area between Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church. Remembrance crosses are provided so that ex-Service men and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a cross in memory of their fallen comrades and loved ones. The Field is opened every Thursday before Remembrance Sunday and stays open for a further ten days.
Major Howson started the Field of Remembrance in 1928 with a few disabled ex-Service men from The Poppy Factory. They grouped around a battlefield cross, familiar to those who had served in Flanders and the Western Front. With a tray of poppies, they invited passers-by to plant a poppy in the vicinity of the cross.
This year Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry represented HM the Queen.
Representing the Association this year were Paul Norris and Ian & Linda Burrows from Metropolitan Area.
(photos Linda Burrows)
Note Pause the pictures to exit the slide show.
St Margaret’s Church Westminster London
Every November the annual Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey is organised and run by The Poppy Factory.
Over 350 plots for regimental and other associations are laid out in the area between Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church. Remembrance crosses are provided so that ex-Service men and women, as well as members of the public, can plant a cross in memory of their fallen comrades and loved ones. The Field is opened every Thursday before Remembrance Sunday and stays open for a further ten days.
Major Howson started the Field of Remembrance in 1928 with a few disabled ex-Service men from The Poppy Factory. They grouped around a battlefield cross, familiar to those who had served in Flanders and the Western Front. With a tray of poppies, they invited passers-by to plant a poppy in the vicinity of the cross.
This year Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry represented HM the Queen.
Representing the Association this year were Paul Norris and Ian & Linda Burrows from Metropolitan Area.
(photos Linda Burrows)
Note Pause the pictures to exit the slide show.
The Festival of Remembrance
Date: Saturday November 7th
The Royal Albert Hall London
The Royal British Legion welcomes members of the Royal family, Government Ministers and the public to join in their annual Festival of Remembrance.
This annual Festival commemorates and honours all those who have lost their lives in conflicts, and is both a moving and enjoyable experience.
This year Andrea Bocelli, Rod Stewart, Gregory Porter and Pixie Lott performed alongside the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, the Queen’s Colour Squadron, the Band of HM Royal Marines, and the Band and Pipes of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
National Chairman John Sharpe and National Secretary Jenny Morris were invited to attend the evening performance in the presence of HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
There were many other ROCA members there to watch Terry Austin - former Group Commandant of Oxford Group - carry our National Standard across the arena accompanied by the standards of Royal Naval Association, Royal Marines Association, Royal Air Forces Association, and the Merchant Navy. (photos Jenny Morris, Pamela Austin)
The Royal Albert Hall London
The Royal British Legion welcomes members of the Royal family, Government Ministers and the public to join in their annual Festival of Remembrance.
This annual Festival commemorates and honours all those who have lost their lives in conflicts, and is both a moving and enjoyable experience.
This year Andrea Bocelli, Rod Stewart, Gregory Porter and Pixie Lott performed alongside the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, the Queen’s Colour Squadron, the Band of HM Royal Marines, and the Band and Pipes of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
National Chairman John Sharpe and National Secretary Jenny Morris were invited to attend the evening performance in the presence of HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
There were many other ROCA members there to watch Terry Austin - former Group Commandant of Oxford Group - carry our National Standard across the arena accompanied by the standards of Royal Naval Association, Royal Marines Association, Royal Air Forces Association, and the Merchant Navy. (photos Jenny Morris, Pamela Austin)
Remembrance Day Service and Parade
Date: Sunday November 8th
The Cenotaph London
As in previous years many ROCA members mustered in Horse Guards Parade for the annual Service of Remembrance and March past.
This year’s event was particularly memorable as it so closely followed the special Service, in St Clement Danes, when we laid up our Sovereigns Banner. It was the culmination of a year during which we celebrated so many anniversaries throughout our unique history of voluntary service.
National Heritage Officer Edwina Holden takes up the story:-
Led by National Chairman John Sharpe, fifty five members made up the ROC contingent mustered on Horseguards Parade in Column C as usual. There was initially some confusion when the Parade Commander, the bowler hatted gent, turned us round so that the back rank was at the front much to the consternation of those who thought they would be at the back. After leading the way into Whitehall all was revealed, we did an about-turn and the front rank were in their rightful place.
The wreath laying was a little faster this year due to doubling up so the standing was reduced, watching the wreath laying on the large TVs sited in Whitehall ensured the time went quickly.
Our Parade Marshal was Stan Robinson of No 7 Group, we could hear his commands very clearly. When we returned to Horseguards we found Prince William taking the salute, there is always much speculation beforehand as to who it will be.
Following the Parade 32 of us made our way to the prestigious RAF Club in Piccadilly.
There is always room for more members to take part in the Parade so do think about joining us next year. A beret is a must (Jenny has a stock!) and we need to be in Horseguards by 10.00am.
(Photos by Jenny Morris and Linda Burrows)
The Cenotaph London
As in previous years many ROCA members mustered in Horse Guards Parade for the annual Service of Remembrance and March past.
This year’s event was particularly memorable as it so closely followed the special Service, in St Clement Danes, when we laid up our Sovereigns Banner. It was the culmination of a year during which we celebrated so many anniversaries throughout our unique history of voluntary service.
National Heritage Officer Edwina Holden takes up the story:-
Led by National Chairman John Sharpe, fifty five members made up the ROC contingent mustered on Horseguards Parade in Column C as usual. There was initially some confusion when the Parade Commander, the bowler hatted gent, turned us round so that the back rank was at the front much to the consternation of those who thought they would be at the back. After leading the way into Whitehall all was revealed, we did an about-turn and the front rank were in their rightful place.
The wreath laying was a little faster this year due to doubling up so the standing was reduced, watching the wreath laying on the large TVs sited in Whitehall ensured the time went quickly.
Our Parade Marshal was Stan Robinson of No 7 Group, we could hear his commands very clearly. When we returned to Horseguards we found Prince William taking the salute, there is always much speculation beforehand as to who it will be.
Following the Parade 32 of us made our way to the prestigious RAF Club in Piccadilly.
There is always room for more members to take part in the Parade so do think about joining us next year. A beret is a must (Jenny has a stock!) and we need to be in Horseguards by 10.00am.
(Photos by Jenny Morris and Linda Burrows)