Saturday, October 21, 2006
TRAFALGAR DAY 21st October 2006.
Yes, it was my 54th birthday today and I would like to thank both of you who sent me a card, but it's still not a national holiday... yet! However today was a day of national historical importance.
Today Birmingham celebrated the 201st anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and mourned the death of Lord Horatio Nelson in the engagement.
I have not finished the details of the whole presentation yet, meanwhile it is quite late and I have nearly finished a bottle of magnificent Nelson's Column Strong Ale from the Tunnel Brewery and I am seriously regretting not laying in a couple more bottles.
I will complete the event details over the next couple of days. Enjoy.
"Right Dress!" You can find out more of the Cumberland Guard at http://www.users.globalnet.co
On the left, the veterans, in the centre Melvyn Haig, Vice Chairman, Birmingham St George's Day Association and on the right Tim Parsons from the Young Firefighters Association carrying the Brigade Standard.
Stephen Hartland of the Birmingham Civic Society introduces the proceedings.
Soprano Catherine Cromwell from the Birmingham Conservatoire leads the singing of the National Anthem.
Commodore A J G Miller CBE RN gave a speech highlighting the role of the Royal Navy in an international capacity.
A stirring speech by Carl Chinn, who reminded us that things may have been very different today but for the bravery of Nelson and his men.
Stephen Hartland escorts the Lord Mayor who carries a wreath from the City of Birmingham on behalf of the Citizens of Birmingham...
Colonel Geoffrey Jones OStJ TD JP DL KSG presents a wreath from
the Birmingham Branch of the Royal Society of St George.
Laura Monk, a Guide of the Vesey Division and Pete Oldham, County Commissioner for the Scouts step forwards with their wreaths.
... Victoria Square and the Council House, bedecked with the White Ensign and a huge canvas image of Nelson.
A volley is fired, much louder than I thought it would be and I'm ashamed to say I jumped (even though I was expecting it). I hope to get a better photograph soon.
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