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Activities Archive:
TDCS Commemorates Centenary of the Battle of the Somme -
The Tamworth and District Civic Society’s commemoration of the centenary of the terrible Battle of the Somme attracted 57 people to fill the seats in the magnificent St. George’s Chapel inside Tamworth Parish Church. Civic Society Chairman Dr. David Biggs said “It proved to be a fitting tribute to all those, especially in Tamworth and District, who served in the worst recorded conflict of British military history. We must never forget the horrors and lessons of the Great War.”
A screening of the poignant 1916 documentary film of the battle was largely watched in silence as the moving scenes unfolded. Among the audience were special guests Raymond Darkes of Dosthill and his son Paul. Raymond (85) believes that his father Frederick is shown carrying a wounded compatriot in the film. Another honoured guest at the special event was the Mayor of Tamworth, Councillor Ken Norchi, who was accompanied by Councillor Peter Seekings as the Mayoress could not attend.
After the screening, we had lovely refreshments provided by the Church in the Comberford Chapel. Then Dr. Geoffrey Noon, an Honorary Research Fellow in War Studies at the University of Birmingham and a founder member of the Western Front Association, delivered a learned address on the events before, during and after the bloody conflict, and gave his views on causes and outcomes.
At the end, the 85 year old retired Tamworth G.P., was presented with a bottle of
single malt whisky by David Biggs, on behalf of fellow members, in thanks for all
that he had done as a member of the Steering Committee that so successfully re-
RELEASE: 29th June 2016
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The large audience watch the fascinating film footage from 1916.
Dr. Noon takes questions at the end of the screening.
The audience listen intently to Dr. Noon's informative address.
(Photos by S Biggs)