BATHGATE TO HOST LAST POST TRIBUTE
BATHGATE TO HOST LAST POST TRIBUTE AS PART OF UK WIDE COMMERATION TO WW1 GENERATION
The Bathgate Band in Bathgate is taking part in the First World War centenary project The Last Post on 9th November joining hundreds of groups around the UK in a musical tribute that will remember local World War One history and see the Last Post played on a variety of different instruments.
Over 200 commemorative events are being held across the UK and in Bathgate, The Bathgate Band are hosting an event that will see the Last Post performed in memory of the people of Bathgate and members of the Bathgate Band who served in WW1.
The Bathgate Band will lead the Remembrance Day Parade in Bathgate on 9th November, play hymns at the service at the War Memorial and then perform a short concert in the Bathgate British Legion, which will include music from WW1. This concert will begin around 3pm.
Designed and run by arts organisation Superact with support from the Department for Communities and Local Government, The Last Post project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to roll out the project in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2014. The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure is also supporting the project in NI.
Commenting, Sara Buchan, President of the Bathgate Band said:
"The Bathgate Band is honoured to be taking part in the Remembrance parade in Bathgate in the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of hostilities in WW1. The band has been taking part in this event ever since it began after WW1. The Bathgate Band had members who served in WW1, some of who lost their lives and others who were seriously injured. It is at times like this we realise how important the bands' role is within the community. The band are grateful to the Last Post project for funding received which has helped us prepare for and purchase music for the concert we will be performing in the Bathgate British Legion after the parade. This concert will feature music from and related to WW1. We also hope this concert will raise awareness regarding the missing names project that is nearing completion. A plaque will be added to the Bathgate War Memorial this week with the names of 13 men who lost their lives in WW1 whose names were missing up to now.
The Last Post will be expertly played by our Principal Cornet player, Michael Forde, at the service at the War Memorial and as part of one of the pieces we will be playing at the concert".
Virginia Crompton, Executive Producer of The Last Post project said:
"The Last Post is a creative project enabling people all over the UK to explore local World War One heritage and reflect on new interpretations of this piece of music that has become indelibly linked to remembrance.
"With events happening across the UK from 4 to 18 November, you can find your nearest event on www.thelastpostproject.org.uk or even host your own"
To find out more about the project, host your own event or see what other events are taking place visit www.thelastpostproject.org.uk
