Memorial

Spiritualists' National Memorial - Dedication Service, 10 July 2010.

The morning of Saturday 10th July, the Spiritualists' National Memorial stood with its' inscription veiled, ready and silently awaiting the Dedication Service on this historic day for the Spiritualists' National Union. It was at the SNU AGM in 2008 that a motion from the East Midlands District had encouraged the SNU to petition Downing Street once more for representation on November 11th each year at the Cenotaph; the petition failed. At the SNU AGM in 2009 a motion was passed to raise funds and build our own National Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas, Staffordshire, in memory of Spiritualists who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces. As the funds came in, a design was agreed and within a year the hopes and plans became a reality.

At 2.30pm over 300 Spiritualists from all corners of the UK had gathered at the Memorial, everyone stood as the sound of the piper signalled the start of the Dedication Service. The piper (Mr Duncan Thompson) lead the SNU National Executive Committee, President of the Spiritualists' Lyceum Union and Armed Forces Representative down the path which was flanked each side with a sea of wild flowers of yellow, red and blue. President of the SNU, Minister Duncan Gascoyne gave the proclamation and welcome to the service, followed by the singing of 'God of the Granite and the Rose'. SNU Vice President (Spiritual) Minister Judith Seaman gave the Invocation.

	The President gave his address followed by the dedication and unveiling. The inscription was unveiled and the striking colours of the SNU emblem and the inscription of dedication was seen by all, with delight and applause. David Bruton OSNU, Financial Director read the well know extract from Laurence Binyon's poem 'For The Fallen': "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." and all gathered replied: "We will remember them." The bugler (Mr Adrian Harper) played 'The Last Post', and everyone quietly reflected in their own thoughts and memories in those emotional moments of remembrance.

	After a two minute silence the bugler played the 'Reveille' followed by the piper with a lament 'Mist Coloured Mountains'. Minister Eric Hatton gave his tribute on behalf of past servicemen and women. In his tribute Eric spoke of the many who not only served our country but who also served the cause of Spiritualism. His tribute was warmly received by everyone.
	Gunner Philip Bradley of the Royal Artillery 205 Battalion, 101 Regiment, represented the men and women of the Armed Forces. Gunner Bradley from Jarrow, a life long Spiritualist, gave a short and very poignant tribute on behalf of service men and women currently serving in the armed forces. Gunner Bradley thanked the SNU for dedicating the memorial and simply asked, that we keep all who are serving at this time in our prayers. There was a great sense of emotion as this young mans tribute and request brought to the realisation of many, the reality of how young the men and women are that serve in the conflicts in our world today.

	The tributes were followed by the laying of three floral tributes: Minister Duncan Gascoyne - The Spiritualists' Nation Union Minister Brian Gledhill - The Spiritualists' Lyceum Union Minister Eric Hatton and Gunner Philip Bradley - The Armed Forces

	The service continued with the singing of 'O'er The Earth the Dawn is Breaking' and as the service came to a close Minister Dinah Annable, Vice President (Admin) gave the Benediction.

	Minister Duncan Gascoyne spoke briefly about the sad end of Spiritualists Aid, due to the ruling by the Charities Commission. He continued saying that, it was a poignant day on which to present money raised by Spiritualists' Aid to the charity 'Help for Heroes'. A cheque for over £7,000 was presented to great applause. As the day came to a close, everyone present expressed what a wonderful service it had been. A day of great emotions, of joy and sadness and of fond memories of family and friends, service men and women past and present. Many took a closer look at the floral tributes and the inscription of dedication, quietly reflecting within the energy of thought in remembrance and love. "At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." A brief report by Chris James

The Dedication Service was professionally filmed and DVD's of the day will be available to pre-order at the SNU AGM for just £12 post free.

The National Memorial Arboretum is situated just south of Burton upon Trent, by the side of the A38, near the village of Alrewas; see http://www.thenma.org.uk. The site covers some 150 acres and has permanent memorials to branches of the Armed Forces and other organisations. Visit this wonderful site.

Minister Steven Upton

We intend to continued and develop our memorial site, including adding an all weather plaque on the approach to the memorial, explaining its' purpose to visitors. I ask all our churches continue to support our Memorial Fund. I also invite individual Spiritualists to donate to this fund.

Cheques to be made payable to: ‘SNU National Memorial Fund.’
26 Glebe Close
Worksop
S80 3QX.

If you are a UK tax payer we can claim Gift Aid on your donation and get an extra 28% from the Government.