Salisbury Cathedral, in common with many other Cathedrals in the UK, is running a thoughtful programme of World War One commemoration events for the local community, diocese and the Cathedral’s many visitors
There’s a historic trail, a Roll of Honour, special services, reflective events, a Field of Remembrance, concerts – music, prose and poetry- and, throughout it all, prayer
The first few months of the war provide the impetus for the start of the programme but there will also be occasions which pick out significant moments from now until 2018.
The commemoration begins at the end of June when we mark the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand during the weekend of 27-29 June followed by a specific opportunity for reflection on the anniversary of the outbreak of war on Monday 4 August.
Throughout the summer visitors will be invited to contribute to a ‘Roll of Honour’ remembering loved ones affected by any war, in any age and any country.
In the Autumn there will be opportunities to think more deeply about ‘just war’, hear WW1 poetry and attend a special Act of Remembrance.
The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne, said “The centenary commemorations of the First World War are immensely important both to the families of this country and throughout the nations of the Commonwealth. The Cathedral’s long association with military regiments and our own evocative memorials of individuals and events enable us to play a key role in those commemorations. From the outbreak of war, to the battles which claimed such sacrifice of life, through to the Armistice and a changed world, we will be remembering and honouring our past and looking forward in hope.”
Listing of activities/events 2014
Roll of Honour for All Wars
- May – October
Visitors to the Cathedral are invited to contribute to a Roll of Honour of those known to them in any war, in any country, at any time. The roll will then take pride of place on display in the Cathedral during November.
Voices from No Man’s Land
- 23 May, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
As part of the Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival, a chorus of massed male voices mark the centenary of the ‘Christmas Day truce’ with a stirring new commission from Lucy Pankhurst, directed by Howard Moody. Free drop-in event in the Cloisters.
Commemoration of the Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
- 28 June, 12 noon
A short act of prayer marking the delicate nature of peace.
WWI Commemorative Evensong
- 29 June, 4.30pm
WWI Reflective Trail
- August
A trail which incorporates different aspects of the Cathedral’s connection with WWI including the very special wooden grave markers, stories of individuals and choristers who went to war, remembrance books, colours and memorials. Free leaflet to collect inside the Cathedral.
A Short Film
- 4 Aug – 11 Nov
A short 16 minute film from the Imperial War Museum archive ‘With the North and South Irish at the Front’ will be running on a loop in the Morning Chapel.
The Lamps Are Going Out
- 4 August, 6.30pm – 11.00pm
An evening of reading, words, music and silence marking the outbreak of the war. Free event in the Cloisters.
Exhibition: Friends Relief Service
- 22 September – 31 October
An exhibition in the St Lawrence Chapel highlighting the work of the FRS which was an official arm of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), set up during the Second World War to relieve civilian distress. Open during normal Cathedral opening hours.
Concert with Pinchas Zukerman and the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada
- 29 October, 7.30pm
In recognition of the local presence of thousands of Canadian soldiers on Salisbury Plain in WWI, a concert including works by Beethoven and Vaughan Williams as part of a national tour to the UK by the national orchestra of Canada. Tickets on sale soon, see website for more details.
The War in Words
- 1 – 30 November
Opportunities to hear the words of WWI in poetry and prose. Dates still to be confirmed.
Field of Remembrance
-
1 – 11 November
A commemorative focal point in the Close
Remembrance Sunday
- 9 November, 10.30am
With visiting preacher, former Chaplain General, Ven Stephen Robbins.
Armistice Day
-
11 November, 11.00am
Short commemoration to include two minutes silence. Throughout the day names of soldiers from across the Salisbury Diocese killed in WWI will be read.
Reflections on a Just War
- 11 November, 7.30pm – 9.00pm
An evening with Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury. Retiring collection.
Further information on these events will be posted on Salisbury Cathedral website as it becomes available
Please visit www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/events
