HUNDREDS of people packed out St Woolos Cathedral in Newport today to take part in a centenary commemoration event – with some queuing to get in before the doors opened.
Those who made it up to the cathedral on Stow Hill were treated to poignant songs from a host of choirs, including the Dragons Choir, Newport U3A Choir, and the Newport Rugby Club Choir.
As well as choral performances, Joan Hoctor delighted visitors with songs and the Newport Boys Brigade Band kept up a rousing atmosphere.
One of the event organisers, Peter Strong, said they had been blown over by the turnout, which he expected to top 1000 by the day’s end.
“We had no idea this many people would come,” said Mr Strong, who chairs the Gwent branch of the Western Front Association.
(www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)
“It’s been heaving all day. It’s been wonderful.
“The whole project has involved collaboration with the South Wales Argus, and we’re very grateful for the publicity that has drawn everyone here today.
(The crowds in St Woolos Cathedral)
“We also want to thank the charities, organisations, volunteers and stall holders involved, as well as everyone else who has turned up to make this such a special occasion.”
Visitors to the cathedral were greeted with fundraising stalls selling First World War memorabilia, and a host of exhibitions and educational panels created with support from Gwent Archives, the British Legion and local Newport historians and volunteers.
(www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)
Hungry attendees could even sample a selection of First World War delicacies in a period kitchen set up.
Tasty treats included camp coffee, ANZAC biscuits, scones, trench cake and victory bread.
(First World War treats on offer)
In the downstairs section of the cathedral, visitors could also take in a number of talks and films.
Talks included ‘Charley’s War’, in which Christabel Hutchings introduced a newly published memoir of a Pontypool Soldier, and ‘Remembering the Monmouthshires’, which looked at the story of the 1st Mons’ battalion memorial from St Woolos Cathedral.
Jane Bryant AM and Jessica Morden MP also talked about their ancestors who served in the Great War, while a tribute talk was also given to local sportsmen who lost their lives in the war.
A special video project involving Pill Primary and Ysgol Cymraeg Casnewydd was aired for the first time, exploring the role of local mariners during the conflict.
('Newport and the Sea')
Project researcher and author Andrew Hemmings, who worked on it for a year, said he was delighted at the end result.
“I feel very gratified. Not for me, but it’s a debt to all the service men who died in the war, especially from the Mercantile Navy and the Royal Navy. It’s a testament to those who served.”
(Andrew Hemmings www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)
Edward Watts MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gwent and Chairman of the Mission to Seafarers Newport, called the project wonderful.
(Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Edward Watts MBE (r) and author Andrew Hemmings (l))
“A lot of people gave up their lives in two world wars to protect us and I think these films are a fantastic jolt to us older generations and a good learning tool for younger people,” he said.
(David Mayer and Mayor Malcolm Linton www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)
“I think the children for a lot out of it.”
The event ran from 11am to 4.30pm on Saturday, November 11.
More pictures to follow.
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