Somme/France

I am feeling a little sorry for myself....I have been unwell since Saturday, it's now Wednesday and I have gradually felt worse instead of better. Nice for Vin though cos I almost lost my voice for four days lol.

We have so many friends who travel to The Somme as well as friends who live on The Somme. A lot of them work on Lochnagar Crater....a memorial to remember those who fell and died on the 1st July during the explosion that caused the crater, and also during the battle that took place that day.

The service that takes place, starting at 07.24 is always very moving, it attracts a very big crowd of people around one to two thousand on average.

It is very difficult to capture a photo of the crater reflecting it's true size. The photograph I have chosen shows about a quarter of it's size.

Many wreaths are laid during the service.

A lot of work goes into maintaining the crater, as you can imagine lots of brambles grow in the crater and the grass takes a lot of keeping down around it.

The owner Richard puts lots of work into ensuring the service is how the public and the lost soldiers would like it to be.

The maroon goes up with a very large explosion at 7.24, the whistles are blown, a piper appears and walks towards the cross where the service takes place. Richard leads the service speaking in both French and English. The wreaths are laid, whilst soldiers are remembered. various people are involved including the Vicar, dedications and war poetry is read out. There is an interpreter for for the French visitors. Children are involved, one singing abide with me, later at the end others hand out poppy leaves with the adults who then throw them into the crater where the centre has been prepared with more poppies. The lords prayer is said in English, French and German.

The friendship and togetherness that is felt amongst us is enormous. We take the work and the service very seriously but we also laugh together....as you can see when Kay put on her floppy hat to sell poppies....We also meet a lot of people who visit the crater who like to stop and chat they come from all over the world, and includes lots of children of all ages.

Richard is photographed....in a grey suit....taking a step back.