SATURDAY DECEMBER 19TH 2009
Rod and Margaret Younger of the Norwich and Waveney WFA Branch were very fortunate to be able to attend this third tri-lingual Christmas Truce Carol Service in Pozieres, organized by Paula Flanagan-Kesteloot of the Battlefield Language Academy.
The sunny Saturday morning was followed by a very cold night in the heart of the Somme battlefields where so many young men gave their lives. Road conditions were treacherous and because the snow “lay deep and crisp and even” the delicious refreshments which followed the service were served over the road at The Tommy, instead of in Contalmaison's village hall.
The newly refurbished TOMMY is well worth a visit when in this area as it contains a fantastic collection of photographs The congregation were invited to contribute to this feast by bringing some traditional Christmas food from their own countries.
After experiencing atrocious driving conditions on the way to our destination, we were happy to put on our walking boots and see the area on foot which in the snow gave us a completely different perspective of the battlefield.
This possibly unique service consisted of carols, readings and a dance performance accompanied by pipers, a drummer boy, percussionists, guitarists, a violinist and keyboard players . Performers of all ages were thoroughly involved. Where able, the congregation enthusiastically sang a selection of traditional and more modern carols from France, Great Britain and Germany. Translations of the texts were read and included where necessary. A talented young drummer played before we sang “Little Drummer Boy” in English, French and German. This well-known and popular carol was dedicated to 16 year old Thomas Moore a drummer boy, who lies in nearby Lonsdale cemetery.
The dance group” Dissidance” from Albert gave a performance with “peace” as the theme.
There was however a very serious side to the event as we remembered also the soldiers who have been killed in very recent, ongoing conflicts.
Among the varied readings one paid tribute to Harry Patch of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry who died on July 25th 2009.
Thanks were offered by the mayor of Pozieres, Bernard Delattre, who told us that restoration work was still being undertaken on Pozieres Church, and by Patricia Leroy, mayor of Contalmaison.
The retiring collection was for the Pozieres Church restoration fund.
We heard also this moving story, which illustrates the ties between the region and Australia . The story is of a small ivory crucifix which was removed from the rubble of this small church at Pozieres almost a century ago by a young Catholic Australian private ,Walter Henry Belbin, who was to carry this cross with him throughout the war. He survived and returned home. His daughter-in-law, Betty, said he was very attached to this treasure which he cherished. The Digger died almost three decades ago and his only son Neil, aged 87, was determined to return the cross to the rebuilt church. He was helped by the Victorian MP Bruce Wilson who traced the priest and the mayor and helped to organize the handover.
On a more lighthearted note we did sing Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Jingle Bells and Auld Lang Syne in French and English.
This moving and enjoyable event was televised for the local regional news. When interviewed Paula stressed that not only did this service hark back to the past but was very relevant to what was happening today and to the very great sense of loss that was still being felt in Britain as young men lost their lives or were seriously wounded whilst serving their country.
A huge amount of work went into organizing the service and Paula hopes that more British people will attend in the future. She plans to organize this again next year on the Saturday before Christmas.
AUTHORS: Rod and Margaret Younger.
http://pfk-battlefieldacademy.skyrock.com/
www.pfk-languages.com
