Plans taking shape for major commemorative event

Plans taking shape for major commemorative event to mark centenary

The Tynemouth Commemoration project is focussed on the nearly 2000 men of the former Borough who were killed or died in the Great War and we have always intended to mark the centenary of the outbreak of that conflict, which will coincide with the launch of the biographical database to be available on the internet for public enquiry and information.

However, the commemorative event planned for 3^rd August, 2014 to be held in Northumberland Square will seek also to bring into public remembrance all those who served, as well as those who did not return. We will have a respectful event which will remind the population today of the enormous sacrifice and efforts of the townspeople 100 years ago both at home and in the services.

The project’s major exhibition will be open to the public on that day in the Exhibition area of the Customer Services centre and Library. In addition a number of informal displays and exhibits will be on view inside the Square. Musical and other performances will remind us of the life and times of the people of that bygone era. We hope schools and other groups will contribute to the day bringing to life the story of their organisations and the part they played in momentous events.

The Scouting movement and Guides were particularly engaged at home. The YMCA and Salvation Army were active at the front providing simple comforts for the men, while the Red Cross were a means of seeking information about men missing and sometimes prisoners. Men of the St John Ambulance were often enlisted into the RAMC, putting into practice their skills in an environment they could scarcely have imagined before the war. We hope all of these groups still active in the community today will wish to participate on the day.

A more formal part of the day’s events will be a parade at 2pm of military and cadet formations as well as veterans organisations to form up on the north side of the Square, where brief speeches by the Lord lieutenant (or Deputy) and Chair of the Council will be followed by a short service of commemoration. This will be an opportunity to remember all those who served, on all sides, in the most terrible conflict the world had experienced up to that time. We will remember those of all faiths and all nations who suffered physical loss and mental anguish through four years of conflict.

Special provision will be made for relatives of those killed or died to attend and be a part of the formal event, while members of the public also will be able to be present in the Square. Full details of the event will be posted on the project website and in the news media nearer the event.

The Army Benevolent Fund is staging a concert this year – Salute our Heroes – at 7.30pm on 28^th September, at the Sage. Tickets for this spectacular show are still available and are on sale now from the Sage Box Office – 0191 443 4661.