Appeal for bell ringers to join unique WW1 Centenary Commemoration – Battles O’er
Armistice 2018: An appeal has gone out to church bell ringers around Britain to join in a major event later this year to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1.
See all Armistice 2018 commemorations taking place near you.
The organisers of Battle’s Over, a national and international event to mark the Armistice, want to see more than 1,000 cathedrals and churches participate by ringing their bells simultaneously at 7.05pm on the night of November 11th 2018.
The all day event to mark this the Centenary of the Armistice will begin at 6am on November 11th 2018 outside every Anglican Cathedral in this country when a lone piper will play Battle’s O’er – a traditional tune played after a battle.
At the same time, pipers everywhere will be playing the same tune in their local communities around the world. The tribute is being organised with the assistance of Glasgow-based College of Piping, local pipe bands around the world, Air Training Corps and the Army Cadet Force.
That evening, at 6.55pm buglers will sound the Last Post at more than 1,000 locations across the country, this will be followed at 7pm with WW1 Beacons of Light signifying the light of peace that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war.
Then at 7.05pm church and cathedral bells will ring out in, Ringing Out for Peace, being organised with the assistance of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers.
Pageantmaster and organiser of the Battle’s Over initiative, Bruno Peek is calling for more bellringers to take part in Ringing Out for Peace.
He said:
“We want this to be the most widespread ringing of church bells since the First World War.
“It would be a fitting and moving tribute to the 1,400 or so bellringers that we understand lost their lives during that war,
“I have no doubt that dedicated campanologists in Britain and around the World will want to join in this once-in-a-lifetime tribute to everyone who served on the battlefields, the high seas and the home front.”
Mr Peek said,
“The stirring sound of church and cathedral bells will provide a fitting conclusion to a day of contemplation, commemoration and, ultimately, celebration as the United Kingdom and other nations reflect on events a century ago, on the battlefields of Europe, and at home in our factories and farms.
“I hope as many people as possible will join us in the Battle’s Over events to mark the conclusion of the first world war and pay tribute to the loved ones who played their part.”
Churches can register their involvement by completing the Ringing out for Peace entry form found at – www.brunopeek.co.uk
The event has four charities linked to it – The Royal Naval Association, Army Benevolent Fund – the Soldiers Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund and the Merchant Navy Association.
More information on Battle’s Over – A Nation’s Tribute 11th November 2018, and how to take part, can also be found at www.brunopeek.co.uk
