Saturday 29th October
Poppy Launch, High Cross, Truro Cathedral
Pipers: Nigel, Alex, Miranda, Keith G, David C, John C, Donny
Drummers: Snare – Tom G, Sullivan, Tenor – Vic, Fred, Bass – Chris
The weather for the Poppy Launch was true to the forecast that morning of being dull and cloudy, but on the positive side it was dry and not cold. There was a good turnout of 7 pipers and 5 drummers and the dress code was Day dress. By 9.30 the Band had assembled at the bottom of the multi-storey car park and were tuning up and by 9.50 were on their way to the Cathedral where Dignitaries and the Clergy were assembled.
The Band formed a circle to the side of the Cathedral and Nigel started their performance by playing a lament. Ten minutes later the Chairman of the Royal British Legion welcomed everyone to the Truro Poppy Launch, mentioning last year’s outstanding fund raising of more than 48 million pounds and it being 100 years since the finish of the war in Europe where more than one million were killed or wounded. After reading out forthcoming events to be held in the Cathedral and at the War Memorial the Chairman mentioned the Wreath laying and Parade at the War Memorial and Service in the Cathedral on 13th November.
An emotive poem regarding the Poppy was then recited and the Deacon said a few words regarding “our Forces serving in 16 locations around the world and that we remember them”. The public were invited to join in responses to a prayer before The Lord’s Prayer was said. Crosses were placed in a container which would be placed in the Garden of Remembrance. Standards were brought to attention and “They shall not grow old ………..” and the Last Post and 2 minutes’ silence followed, then the Reveille was played before the Parade was dismissed at 10.15. The Ceremony and short service were well received.
The Kernow Band reformed and played for 20 minutes before being dismissed to partake in bacon butties and drinks kindly provided by the British Legion in Niles Bakery across the square. It had been an appreciative event, the Band had been at their best, and Chris standing in for the Bass drummer did a sterling job.
Tunes played during the two performances included the following – Highland Cathedral, Last of the Great Whales, Scotland the Brave/Rowan Tree/Wings/Bonny Galloway, Scotland the Brave/Mairi’s Wedding, Cockney Jocks/Rainbow Country/Bluebells of Scotland, High Road to Gairloch/Murdo’s Wedding/The Bonnie Lass of Fyvie.
