On Sunday 11th November 2018 a service to mark the Centenary of The Armistice that ended the First World War hostilities between the Allies and Germany was held at Westminster Abbey. The Department for Digital, Media and Sport invited The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to nominate people to attend the Service.
The 78 Derngate Centenary Project was made possible by a grant of ten thousand pounds from HLF, which distributes the heritage share of National Lottery funding. HLF invested £97 million in 2,200 First World War Centenary projects. Over 300 people who were involved with Heritage Lottery funded First World War projects across the UK were in attendance. For 78 Derngate Sheila Harris, one of our Centenary Project volunteers joined with the Royal family, religious and political leaders and members of the public who contributed to the Centenary on a national, regional and local level.
The service was conducted in the presence of The Queen, The President of Germany, The Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent.
Sheila wrote:
“I was lucky enough to be drawn from the national ballot (having been involved in the 78 Derngate exhibition) and attended this magnificent service. I am sure many people will have watched the service on television so no detail is needed here, except to say it was a truly moving occasion with many different groups of people taking part: the Royal family, young people, the older generation, military personnel, members of the acting profession and other civilian groups. All coming together to remember those who gave their lives (in all wars) and to ensure “their name liveth for evermore”.
I am enclosing a photo (taken after the Service) in front of Westminster Abbey and also shots of the official invitation and front cover of the Order of Service as well as a corner of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier showing some of the beautiful flowers laid by people attending the Service.”
