9 May 2013

Christmas in summer

IT is always strange writing about Christmas in summer! I've updated the link to our book, Not A Shot Was Fired. Please note you can order black and white (cheaper!) or colour versions of the book - also as a pdf (much cheaper!). One day I'll get round to doing a Kindle version.

7th January 2013

THE SEARCH FOR PTE HEATH

THERE have been some exciting developments in our search for Pte Heath. This was the soldier who wrote one of the most remarkable letters about the truce - but sadly we knew nothing about him. Now our friend John Krijnen has made a breakthrough and we may be close to identifying who he was and more about him. I have update our 'Heath blog' with some details - and more to follow soon!

29 October 2012

CHRISTMAS TRUCE CONCERT

MY thanks to Gary Young for pointing out that The Christmas Truce by Judith Bingham is being performed in the University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel, Scotland on Saturday, December 8. It will be performed by Glasgow Chamber Choir accompanied by Amicus Orchestra and conducted by Michael Bawtree. The work was written in 2003 and combines music including German and British carols with text from contemporary diaries, private letters, and news reports. The work was originally a commission by the BBC and was first performed in 2004 by the BBC singers.

12 September 2012

BOOK HIGHLIGHTS TRUCE PARTICIPANT

A NEW book tells of a soldier who participated in the Truce - and what became of him. It's unclear what happened to many of the soliders who took part in the Truce of Christmas 1914 but it's estimated that one in three would have died before the end of the war. The odds weren't good.When Andrew Mark Rudall researched his family tree he found an ancestor who took part in the truce and followed his story. I won't give away the ending! But I'd highly recommend, Neat Little Rows, which bubbles wtih Andy's enthusiasm and excitement. It's a terrific tale well told. Neat Little Rows is available from Amazon or Lulu.

31 August 2012

CHILDREN'S FOOTBALL ALLIANCE

"WE have many war memorials. We don't have enough memorials to peace" - The words of Don Mullan at the Breaking Ground Ceremony at the Messines Peace Village in Belgium will strike home with many people around the world. The village was an initiative that grew out of the Irish peace process and we urge everyone to click on to the Children's Football Alliance website to learn more about this remarkable and inspirational idea which ripples around the world. The CFA's purpose is to "promote and advance children's unalienable right to engage in football play that is fun, safe, engaging, inclusive and developmental". God's speed to that.

31 August 2012

ENGLISH SINGERS AND MUSICIANS WANTED FOR TRUCE PROJECT.

A DELIGHTFUL project is being planned to mark the centenary of the Christmas Truce. The Internationales Chor Forum hopes to commission an oratorio about the event. Writer Andrea Heuser and composer Moritz Eggert have been chosen to write the text and music. The work is planned for several speakers, singer soloists, choir and orchestra, and will make use of the four languages of the countries involved (England, France, Germany and Belgium). The rehearsals will be held in a summer academy, which will also offer workshops, excursions and discussion panels on the topic. Gerhard Jenemann of the Internationales Chor Forum says: " At the moment we are searching for partners, who might organize and finance the performances. We would be much obliged, if you could help us to make contact with suitable potential partners in England." So over to you English music lovers! Contact Gerhard via chorforum@t-online.de.

30 August 2012

IT must be getting near Christmas judging by the sudden flurry of emails I've received! Although I suspect it's as much to do with the imminent arrival of the centenary of the truce (in December 2014 of course) which is also leading to the greater amount of interest in all things Truce-y. I'm very glad of it - but bear in mind this is a 'hobby' site not a commercial one so I'll reply as soon as possible, and help you as much as I can.

MASTHEAD PICTURE courtesy of The Salient Remembrance Detachment.