Choristers to make 'emotional' trip to Menin Gate

A cathedral choir is set to sing at an evening World War One commemoration in Belgium in memory of Manx soldiers who fought in the conflict.

Thirteen children and six adult choristers from Cathedral Isle of Man will travel to Ypres in Belgium to perform at the daily memorial service at the Menin Gate.

The two-day trip would see the choir follow in the footsteps of a Manx soldier who fought in the conflict, Pte Robert Vick.

Director of music at the cathedral Peter Litman said it would be an "emotional experience", but would be something that participants would "always remember".

The Menin Gate is a memorial in Belgium dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers killed in the Ypres Salient during World War One and whose graves are unknown.

At the daily service on Wednesday, the choir will sing two pieces at the ceremony, including The Day Thou Gavest Lord is Ended, which was written by a pupil of King William's College.

Dr Litman said to be amongst groups from all over the world "representing our little nation" would be "fantastic", he said.

The choir organised trips every two years and this year it had been invited to perform by the Last Post Association, which runs the remembrance services at the Menin Gate every evening, he said.

The service would also see Alan Jones, who is the standard bearer for the Royal British Legion Peel Branch carrying the organisation's flag in uniform, he added.

During the trip, the group will visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, where the choir will sing Ellan Vannin in memory of Manx soldiers who died fighting in World War One.

Members will also attend Langemark Cemetery, the trenches and bunkers, where the children would learn about what life was like for soldiers.

The itinerary for the visit would allow the children to follow the journey of Pte Vick, who fought in Belgium during the war and whose name is engraved on a memorial in Peel.

A total of 22 people are travelling from the island, including 19 choristers and three additional adults for pastoral support.

Funding for the 13 children to make the trip has been provided by the Brien Trust, the Elizabeth Clucas Trust and the Admiral Feteris Foundation.

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