Remembrance has been a busy yet poignant time for us at St Nicolas’ and St James’ Churches as we remember and give thanks for those who fell fighting for our freedom.

We began with George Eliot Hospital Chaplaincy remembrance Service where St Nicolas School Choir sang and Rev Chris played the last post. Reflective poems, prayers and readings from members of the chaplaincy Team and staff including prayers and Readings from Imam Osman who read from the Koran to help us in our reflections.

Atherstone Choral Society held a superb concert presenting the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams who himself had served in the medical corps during WW1 and was born in a Vicarage: his dad was vicar of Down Ampney. The sound filled the church well and introduced us to some less well known but beautiful pieces performed also with Baritone Soloist Matthew Nuttall and Organist Toby Barnard.

Remembrance Sunday was a special day with Holy Communion and Remembrance at St James led by Rev Martin Butt, Contemporary Worship with Remembrance at the cenotaph at St Nicolas, led by Rev Dave Jones and Rev Chris participating in the Civic Remembrance Service and Parade from the Town Hall to Riversley Park, Nuneaton.

We concluded the day with ‘Prayers for Peace’ at St Nicolas where we spent time praying for those experiencing persecution and being displaced in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

On Armistice Day (Tue 11th Nov) St Nicolas School Year 6, SWANS Singers, and members of the community joined us for a poignant act of remembrance as we went to the Vicarage Street School cenotaph (outside the church) and held the two minute silence.

Our Remembrance Services finish on Thursday 13th with a short act of remembrance with last post for residents of Caldwell Lodge and Grange