National Police Memorial Day

Sunday 24th September 2023, New Theatre Cardiff

The choir met at the stage door of the New Theatre Cardiff at 11am, where we were screened by Security, given wristbands and each chorister received the Remembrance Police Trust Badge to be worn during the service beginning at 2 pm. The event was to have taken place at the St David’s Hall, but at very short notice, because of the temporary closure of the concert hall had to be reconvened at the New Theatre.

But first, a brief rehearsal with the the British Police Orchestra under the baton of John Morgan the Director of Music. (John Morgan from Dyfed Powys Police was on this occasion, after 18 years as musical director, making his final appearance before his retirement)

The rehearsal went well, and we were able to have a run through of Anfonaf Angel with our very own Matt and our new accompanist, Jeslyn Asir who was making his first public appearance with the choir.  Again, all went well.

It would be fair to say the surroundings were a little challenging to say the least, but as usual the choir met that challenge and got on with the job in hand.

2pm saw the beginning of the service. The assembled dignitaries included the First Minister of Wales the Rt Hon Mark Drakeford, the Rt Hon Suella Braverman MP, Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department, faith leaders including the Bishop of Llandaff, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wales, and members of the Sikh, Muslim and Hindu councils of Wales.

Most of those who were there would agree the most poignant and emotional part of the service was the Act of Remembrance, with the lighting of four candles, representing all four of the home nations before an altar, and the placing of the Book of Remembrance inscribed with over 5000 names of officers who gave their lives in the course of their duty.

At this point of the service, a two minute silence was kept as blue petals of remembrance fell, representing all who lost their lives.

During this time, the orchestra played the hymn tune, Abide with me and the last post was sounded followed by a short silence. Finally, the Reveille was heard, at which point the choir and orchestra joined and performed John Rutter’s The Lord bless you and keep you.

It was truly a great privilege for the choir to have been invited to participate on this National Day of Remembrance, and I’m sure the occasion will stay in the memory for years to come. The choir certainly did Wales and Risca proud last Sunday in Cardiff.

Cliff Edwards – 2nd tenor