Wolverhampton students to help honour war veterans
Preparations have begun for a Festival of Remembrance in the Black Country, which will mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War.
Wolverhampton is hosting its annual festival with a spectacular poppy drop at the Wulfrun Hall, with the event being supported by The Royal British Legion, ex-services organisations and Help for Heroes.
The event will focus not only on the First and Second World War but also the more recent conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
The afternoon will start with a ceremonial parade of Standards and the presentation of the Torch of Remembrance. The second half will see music performances from Britain's Got Talent star Jean Martyn and The Miss Fortunes, singing Glenn Miller classics.
This year, students from two schools, Colton Hills Community School, on Jeremy Road, and The King's CE School, on Regis Road will be actively involved, helping with the management of the night, being front of house staff and even assistants to some of the councillors who will be present.
Councillor for Bilston, Linda Leach, has been part of the event for the last four years and said: "I'm very proud to be helping organise the festival once again and this year with the help of the schools, we're aiming to appeal to a younger, more wider audience of all varieties."
Arthur Thomas, 92, from Tettenhall, served in The Royal Core of Signals in the Second World War and was present at the launch.
He said: "I look forward to the event every year, it's a pleasure to see so many young people getting involved and remembering their history.
"Wolverhampton people are a proud bunch and I'm no different. It's a very nice event to have in this city."
After the War Arthur returned to his job at Barris Jones and Bayliss on Cable Street, which was one of the biggest fencing and gates companies in the region in 1946.
The Festival of Remembrance will take place at the Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, on Sunday November 1 at 2pm. Patrons tickets are £15, which includes reception in the Mayors Parlour, and general admission is £5. If you are interested in a ticket call 08703207000 or visit www.wolvescivic.co.uk
