This week’s diary has a certain European dimension about it. Carol and I spent the bank holiday weekend with members of the Worcester Twinning Committee and Worcester Camera Club on a visit to Vernon in Normandy.
The background to the visit was that on August 26 and 27, 1944, members of the Worcestershire Regiment suffered many casualties in capturing the strategically important bridge across the Seine at Vernon from the Germans. By so doing the Allies were able to continue their vital progress eastwards. In 2004 on the 60th anniversary of the battle, a memorial was placed to recognise those losses and a small group from Worcester attended.
On Sunday, in somewhat damp and drizzly weather, a simple but moving ceremony took place in which I laid a wreath to commemorate the soldiers killed in the battle. I was joined by the Mayor of Vernon along with a representative from the Bad Kissingen council in Germany with which Vernon is twinned.
With 60 or so people there to witness the event I felt that we had suitably paid our respects as we reflected upon those past conflicts.
Shortly afterwards the mayor took me to a churchyard where many of the Worcestershire soldiers were buried.
Tragically most were only 18 or 19 years of age.
The timing of this visit coincided with Vernon’s Foire aux Cerises (Festival of the Cherries). It’s not unlike Worcester’s Christmas Fayre but obviously with a summer flavour.
The Worcester stall looked suitably colourful with traditional foodstuffs including plenty of bottles of Worcestershire sauce. Thanks to everyone who did their turn on the stand over the three days we were there.
The week continued back home with the Elgar 150 celebrations.
These are really putting Worcester culturally on the map in a big way. I thoroughly enjoyed the opening concert in the cathedral given by the English Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley, who has a big reputation for promoting English music.
The following day, Thursday saw a lunchtime concert at Huntingdon Hall given by performers from the Elgar School of Music under Donald Hunt. What talent we have in our midst - they were wonderful.
I shall write next week about what was the main concert at the cathedral with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Julian Lloyd-Webber playing some of Elgar’s classic works.
Finally, on a semi-humorous note, I see the Worcester News last week edited out 75 per cent of my photo at the top of this diary column. Rest assured I am not trying to hide. I hope you get the full view this week!