All Hallows 2019
The annual service of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony took place on Saturday 17th August 2019. It was the 14th memorial service to honour those who defended and supplied Malta during WWII
The service was officiated by the Reverend Katherine Hedderly (All Hallows by the Tower) and Fr Victor Camilleri (OFM St. Boniface Church) and our honoured guest was The Malta High Commission's First Secretary, Deborah Borg.
The service commenced with the opening hymn at which time the colours were laid on the altar together with the book of remembrance. The GCIA prayer was read by Alan Sandall, and the reading was read by Michael Gaw, The welcome by the South East Branch Chairman Julia Gaw who also read a letter received from our Patron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Ms Deborah Borg (Malta H.C. First Secretary) delivered a very moving address concerning the suffering and bravery of the people of the Maltese Islands during World War II and of the special relationship between the United Kingdom and Malta.
Following the service and the retrieving of the colours and book of remembrance the congregation moved outside to the Malta Siege Memorial for the wreath laying ceremony. Wreaths were laid as follows under the direction of Mrs Jill Cooper:-
For the Service Personal who gave their lives during the Siege of Malta and since and, for the People of Malta:- South East Chairman Julia Gaw.
For the Civilian population of the Island Fortress of Malta, The Malta High Commission's First Secretary, Deborah Borg.
For Royal Navy Frank Thompson.
For RAF Graham Cooper ASR.
For Army Dougie Parker.
For the Merchant Navy Ron Quested.
The colours were carried by Edward Barkway (West Branch) and Tony Downley (Merchant Navy). Our National Standard bearer, Barry Wenman, is sadly unwell so it was not possible to parade the National Standard this yea.
Following the Exhortation by Alan Sandall, the playing of the last post and reveille, the Maltese and the British National Anthems were played bringing the ceremony to a close, those who were attending the lunch at the Union Jack Club were taxied there with the compliments of the London Taxi Drivers Benevolent Association for War Disabled arranged and organised by their Secretary Paul Davis assisted by Gill Davis and Derek Leone and Brenda Leone for whom we are most grateful. The lunch at the Union Jack was excellent and enjoyed by all.
Votes of thanks were given to Julia and her committee by Ron Quested (MNA) for organising such a harmonious and enjoyable day and by National Secretary, Pat Scott.
The National Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth, would like to thank Michael Gaw for all his hard work in making the day a success.
A collection was taken for the London Taxi Drivers Association which raised almost 200 pounds and a big thank you to all those that contributed to this worthwhile charity.
The members make this association, so many thanks to you all for supporting this event.