Festival of Remembrance Concert

 A fundraising concert in aid of ABF the Soldiers’ Charity at Durham Cathedral on Saturday 7th November, 7.00pm
(doors open at 6.15pm)

A poignant and moving concert to remember those who have given their lives for theircountry and serving soldiers who put their lives at risk for our liberties today.

Draft Programme, subject to change

Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Band
102 Batalion REME Pipe Band
Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band
Durham University Light Opera
Durham Police Choir
Broomside Community Choir
Corporal Andy Garthwaite
Muster parade includes personnel from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, Fire, Prison,Service, Ambulance, Cadet Forces, Youth Movements, Standard Bearers, Veterans and Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Tickets: £10 - £18 available from the Gala Theatre Box Office 03000 266600
www.galadurham.co.uk
The Cathedral Bus will operate to 6.50pm

                 

DLI Reunion

Once again the weather was kind to the event. After a wet Saturday we were greeted with sunshine on Sunday morning. There was a good turn out of veterans, families and spectators who were visiting the cathedral.

LINK to J. Attle’s photos

LINK to T Griffiths photos

Museum Military Talk

September 12th 2pm

A Doctor’s Experience on the Western Front. By Ian McArdle

Dr. Charles Wilson, a young Medical Officer and his experiences right behind the Front Line at Ypres and the Somme.
In the Great War, Dr. Charles Wilson was a young Medical Officer on the Western Front and he has left us with a vivid description of the personalities and conditions he encountered there. He spent most of his time immediately behind the front lines in areas of great danger and saw action in Flanders, at Ypres and at the Somme, the latter being a particularly important turning point in his outlook on how men faced the ultimate test of courage. In his later career, Dr. Wilson was appointed Churchill's physician and was awarded the title of Lord Moran.

Tickets priced £3.50 are available now from the DLI Shop or by calling us on 03000 266590.

Why not take advantage of the Heritage Open Days for free entry to the museum.

Military Vehicle Rally: More Photos

Another batch of photographs has been added HERE

Durham Cathedral Concert

Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas on Behalf of the Gurkha Welfare Trust. 30th September 2015 at 7.00pm

A special concert to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the admission of Gurkhas into The British Army, featuring The Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas and The Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Batallion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Tickets: £20 and £15 available from the Gala Theatre Box Office 03000 266600 .

Click on image to enlarge

      

DLI Soldier Remembered.

First World War soldier Private Edward Henry Pratt, of the 5^th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, was discharged from the Army May 1918 unfit for further service due to the wounds he had suffered. Sadly he died in Greenbank Hospital, Darlington 15^th September 1918. He was buried in an unmarked grave in Darlington West Cemetery and lay forgotten and undiscovered until research by Aycliffe Village Local History Society in February 2014 traced not only his grave but living relatives.

The Society presented its evidence to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and after months of deliberation they finally agreed that he qualified for an official headstone. This was put in place on 2^nd July 2015.

The Society has organised a Dedication Service to be held at 11.15 am on Wednesday 2^nd September 2015 at the graveside in Darlington West Cemetery, followed by a reception at Aycliffe Village Hall for invited guests.

Attending will be family members together with, Jenny Chapman MP, The Worshipful The Mayor & Mayoress of Darlington; The Mayor & Consort, and the Leader of Great Aycliffe Town Council with Councillors, J P Hillary and C Wheeler. Members of Aycliffe Village Local History Society, Mr Chris Lloyd, Deputy editor of The Northern Echo, Mr Steve Dixon of Commonwealth War Graves Commission; and the military will be represented by The Durham Light Infantry Association, The Rifles and Members of The Royal British Legion, Darlington & Newton Aycliffe Branches. Standard bearers and a Bugler will be present. The service will be led by the Reverend Kenneth Crawford, Durham Light Infantry Association Chaplain in conjunction with the Reverend Christopher Pearson, Team Rector, Great Aycliffe Parish.

Link to all Photos