Exciting FREE open studios event returns to Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios
Featuring over 30 artists exhibiting fine art, illustrations, photography, ceramics, mosaics and fashion
Meet the makers, watch demonstrations and get the chance to win an original piece of art in a free raffle
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios are delighted to be opening their doors to the public again this next month for another exciting Open Studios weekend (their first of the year) on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June from 12noon – 5pm. This exhibition will be first in the line-up of events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Out of the Blue.
Come along to see their creative spaces, meet the makers and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts. Everything is handmade by local designers and makers here in the heart of Edinburgh.
With over 30 artists and makers taking part, there really is something for everyone, from fine art, paintings and illustration to ceramics, mosaics, textiles and photography.
There will be FREE art/craft/animation demonstrations and workshops taking place over the two days, plus a FREE raffle featuring exclusive prizes donated by Abbeymount Studios artists.
Artists include up-and-coming wildlife painter Kirsten Mirrey whose work for the past five years has focussed on both exotic and endangered wildlife in a highly realistic style will also be taking part of the two days. She’s also just completed her first successful solo exhibition at the Watson Gallery.
Robin Paine who exhibited at The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour’s winter exhibition, and was twice a finalist in London’s National Portrait Gallery Portrait Award will also be taking part. Her work is in National and International Collections and she has taught widely, with a specialty in drawing and painting from observation.
From ceramics, Frances Priest is represented in national collections including the National Museums of Scotland Edinburgh, the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, the Victoria & Albert Museum London & the McManus Galleries Dundee. She has also been awarded The Wesley Barrell Craft Award and the Arts & Business Scotland Award. Helen Miles represents the world of mosaics. Trained in Greece, Helen designs and makes mosaics for interior and exterior spaces, using a variety of materials from unglazed ceramic tiles to Venetian glass and found objects.
Award-winning designer Judy R Clark is famed for her exquisite hand-tailored womenswear designs comprising of Harris Tweeds, Scottish lace and antique fabric. Judy was crowned Designer of Year at The Scottish Style Awards.
The poster for the Spring Open Studios Weekend was designed by resident printmaker Rosanna Reade. She mainly works with lino, and occasionally screen and risograph printing. She particularly enjoys the tools and processes of linocut, and the sculptural nature of relief printing.
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studio Manager Bob Guilianotti says: “Out of the Blue Abbeymount biannual open studios showcases the work of all 48 resident artists in an iconic building which is an arts and crafts creative hub right in the centre of Edinburgh.”
Out of the Blue Chief Executive Rob Hoon says: “Out of the Blue is unique and resists classification. Our buildings are not simply artists’ studios, or ‘creative hubs’. Abbeymount Studios is one of our buildings which reflect a model that has developed and been sustained over 30 years, hosting a hybrid of arts, participatory education, enterprise, creativity, and community development.”
Details of the Spring Open Studios Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Abbeymount Studios website.
The UK Government has introduced regulations to restrict the prescribing and supply of puberty-suppressing hormones, known as ‘puberty blockers’, to children and young people under 18 in England, Wales and Scotland.
The emergency ban will last from 3 June to 3 September. It will apply to prescriptions written by UK private prescribers and prescribers registered in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
During this period no new patients under 18 will be prescribed these medicines for the purposes of puberty suppression in those experiencing gender dysphoria/incongruence under the care of these prescribers.
The NHS stopped the routine prescription of puberty blocker treatments to under-18s following the Dr Cass Review into gender identity services.
In addition, the government has also introduced indefinite restrictions to the prescribing of these medicines within NHS primary care in England, in line with NHS guidelines.
The new arrangements apply to gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues – medicines that consist of, or contain, buserelin, gonadorelin, goserelin, leuprorelin acetate, nafarelin, or triptorelin.
This action has been taken to address risks to patient safety.
Patients already established on these medicines by a UK prescriber for these purposes can continue to access them. They will also remain available for patients receiving the drugs for other uses, from a UK-registered prescriber.
Patients seeking more information should speak to their clinician.
The kids may be counting down the days until school’s out for summer, but many parents are worried about making their money stretch in the coming months.
Whether it’s the cost of essential childcare or activities to keep the kids entertained, many are concerned they just won’t have enough to pay for school uniforms when the new academic year finally rolls around in August, so are having to make cut-backs in response.
And it’s understandable. The latest research shows parents spend an average of almost £300 per year on primary school uniforms and more than £400 per year on secondary school uniforms. And so, to help ease the pressure,
The Leith Collective is launching its free school uniform exchange on Saturday 1st June.
The exchange will take place at all four of The Leith Collective stores – at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird, Glasgow Fort and their brand new store at Dundee’s Overgate. The Community Interest Company is calling on locals to donate good quality uniforms, shoes, schoolbags and lunchboxes to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked.
The initiative is the brainchild of The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, who has just returned from 10 Downing Street after receiving a personal invitation from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
This was Sara’s third visit to Downing Street, having previously been invited by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss the positive impact of The Leith Collective’s important work on the community.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the free school uniform exchange, Sara said; “The cost of living crisis is seemingly relentless, and there is now a generation of children growing up who have never known anything other than cut-backs and stressed out parents struggling to make ends meet.
“So, we’re taking action to help lighten the parent’s load by removing the expense of buying a new school uniform and helping the ‘cut-back kids’ get the best possible start to their education.”
Degree Show project encourages rediscovery of city’s history
From the Castle and cobbles of the Royal Mile to its secret underground streets, Edinburgh’s heritage and history is known worldwide.But what could be learnt from looking a little closer?
An Edinburgh Napier graphic design student is encouraging people to explore Edinburgh through a new lens by taking a closer look at what has been a mainstay of its streets for generations – its typography.
Fourth year graphic design student Rosa Marshall has unveiled her final year project – Type Revival Edinburgh – this week at the University’s annual Degree Show at Merchiston campus.
With an aim of encouraging tourists and design enthusiasts to visit lesser-known parts of the city, Rosa has created two type trail publications, one each for the New Town and Old Town areas, that contain a map and guided tour of historic and traditionally crafted lettering which adorn streets and buildings in both areas.
The trails take in numerous stone inscriptions and ghost signs as well as present-day examples of signwriting. The publications delve into Edinburgh’s past and allows the user to learn more about wayfinding, street signs, shop signs, graveyard inscriptions and more from years gone by.
Users are also encouraged to take typographic rubbings as they move around the trail to truly appreciate the variety of letting styles and sizes that appear.
Rosa’s fascination with typography and lettering has grown throughout her time at University after initially being peaked during a work trip to Malawi last year.
She explains: “I work for a charity in Edinburgh and I was lucky enough to be able to visit Malawi in June last year. While I was there, I was struck by the prevalence of signwriting and hand lettering.
“I saw loads of examples of, at times, really intricate hand-made signage, each of which had an individual charm, and the idea for my major project was born.
“When I was back in Edinburgh, I started noticing examples throughout the Old Town and New Town and found that both areas are distinctively different from each other. I developed the idea of a zine that helps people who are interested in typography to firstly explore the area, and also to learn more about the history behind the streets, buildings and locations that these signs appear on and in.
“One of my favourite discoveries is a ghost sign on Lynedoch Place in the New Town that has been almost revealed behind layers of concrete as well as some of the medieval inscriptions from the 1590s in the Old Town – there really is so much variety and history to be told just from noticing things as you walk through both areas.
“It’s been a really fun project to work on. It’s got me outside and it’s got me really interested in typography. I’ve done some signwriting workshops as a result and I would really love to bring some sort of typography festival to Edinburgh in the future too.
“There’s so much more left to discover in Edinburgh and so many more stories to learn and share. I feel like I’m just getting started.”
You can learn more about Rosa’s project and others at Edinburgh Napier’s Degree Show which takes place at Merchiston campus from 24-30 May.
Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group, is to bring 87 new, high-quality homes to the rental market in Edinburgh following its latest deal with Barratt Developments.
Citra, which owns and operates a growing portfolio of more than 2,000 homes across the UK, has acquired 66 apartments and 21 colony-style houses from the UK’s largest housebuilder at its Heron Bank scheme in the north of the city.
The deal sees Citra take on a range of one, two and three-bed homes at the 115-home development which is nearing completion in the city’s Bonnington area. The homes are a short walk to the many shops, cafes and restaurants of Leith and the open spaces of a number of local parks, including the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The first phase of homes will be available to rent from next month.
Heron Bank is located on South Fort Street near the Water of Leith and represents the successful regeneration of a previously disused steel works and builder’s yard. The former brownfield site is also less than two miles from Edinburgh city centre, including the capital’s UNESCO-recognised Old and New Towns and nationally connected Waverley train station.
The acquisition is part of the strategic partnership formed between Citra and Barratt Developments in 2021 with the aim of improving access to high quality homes for UK renters. To date, the partnership has contracted to deliver more than 1,500 homes across the UK, with this latest deal following Citra’s acquisition of 156 new family homes at Barratt’s Winnycroft scheme near Gloucester last month.
Andy Hutchinson, chief executive officer of Citra Living, said: “Our focus continues to be bringing forward high quality new homes and delivering a positive rental experience in places where people want to live.
“Brownfield regeneration has a huge part to play in the UK’s housing mix, and this scheme highlights how new life can be breathed into a disused site to grow the residential offering in what is already a thriving and well-connected area.
“It’s pleasing to see the continued success of our partnership with Barratt, which has consistently created high-quality homes for our customers. Anticipating our first customers arriving this summer, we look forward to the new residential community at Heron Bank taking shape.”
Alison Condie, managing director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “Barratt Developments is proud to be continuing its partnership with Citra Living by providing much-needed rented accommodation in one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant areas.
“With current conditions in the market, it’s more important than ever that we look at a spectrum of options when it comes to the development of homes. By transforming brownfield sites such as Heron Bank, we’re unlocking land that would otherwise lie dormant, providing further investment into the Leith community.”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell has apologised to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland for the pain caused through injustices, including policing’s role in enforcing laws which criminalised love and identity:
I believe passionately in the value that policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending. We stand up for, and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper.
That value must be for all our communities. Everyone must know that when policing talks about keeping people safe, that applies to them. All must feel able to speak to the police, to report a crime or to share information knowing they’ll be treated with dignity and respect. I also want people from all communities to see policing as a potential career.
It is a matter of deep regret that these values, over a period of decades have not always applied to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell has apologised to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland for the pain caused through injustices including policing’s role in enforcing laws which criminalised love & identity.
As Chief Constable, I would like to extend a sincere apology, for the recent and historical injustices and discrimination that members of LGBTQI+ communities in Scotland have faced. At times policing has not only failed to protect you but has contributed to the mistreatment and prejudice many have endured.
Laws which criminalised love and identity were wrong, and policing must recognise and reflect upon our role in enforcing them. I am truly sorry for the serious and long-lasting physical and mental pain and harm caused, both to my internal colleagues, and to our communities.
Police Scotland is determined to build an inclusive Service, free from discrimination, for all our communities.
We will advocate for and support third party reporting to increase confidence and overall reporting.
We are empowering leaders to build inclusive teams; improving our education and training for all our officers and staff to ensure they understand and respect the issues facing the LGBTQI+ communities and on equality laws; focusing on our values and standards; and delivering a clear and consistent message that there is no place in Police Scotland for prejudice.
And we will reintroduce specialist liaison officers to work with the community and support officers and staff.
It is important that we take responsibility for our actions to build a future where everyone feels safe and supported.
I am dedicated to building a service that you can trust, one that is inclusive, respects diversity, and protects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
I hope this apology can contribute to the necessary progress to ensure the value of policing is for all communities.
Access to technologies which will transform the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes is set to be expanded, the Scottish Government has announced.
Up to £8.8 million will be used to rollout of loop systems this year to support all children living with Type 1 Diabetes access Closed Loop System technology and increase the provision of these life changing technologies for adults with this condition.
A closed loop system uses a glucose sensor linked to an insulin pump to automatically calculate how much insulin should be delivered – removing the burden of people needing to calculate their insulin dosage and take injections.
A national team will enable training, education and support to be given remotely from health professionals, including Diabetes specialist nurses and dietitians, as well as peer support from others living with diabetes.
Cabinet Secretary Neil Gray spoke to staff at the new Usher Institute building at Edinburgh University.
During his speech he outlined his vision for how technology and innovation can help make the NHS more sustainable in the future.
Mr Gray said: “Closed loop systems are an incredible asset for those living with Type 1 Diabetes. It not only improves sugar control and reduces the risk of long term complications, but also removes a lot of the burden that people living with type 1 Diabetes face on a day to day basis.
“The use of this technology can make it much easier for people to manage their Diabetes, greatly reducing the risk of the health complications that can be associated with the condition.
“This is an example of the kind of innovation that can help transform healthcare, equipping the NHS to meet the challenges it currently faces. It will also greatly improve the lives of people living with Diabetes, particularly children and their parents.”
Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects over 35,000 people in Scotland and around 3,340 children.
QUEEN’S READING ROOM FESTIVAL SUPPORTS CHARITY WORKERS, TEACHERS, NHS STAFF AND THE ARMED FORCES FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING
The Queen’s Reading Room charity, formed from the Instagram book club established by The the then Duchess of Cornwall in 2021, has released 2,000 free tickets for NHS staff, charity workers and the Armed Forces,to attend its second annual literary festival to be held at Hampton Court Palace on the 8th June
The ticket giveaway will mark the second year the Festival has supported nations heroes
Charity boss Vicki Perrin says the giveaway is an opportunity to thank teachers, frontline workers and armed forces for everything they do, year round
For the second year running, The Queen’s Reading Room has teamed up with Tickets For Good, Tickets For Troops and a selection of the UK’s literacy charities to donate 2,000 seats at its literary festival on the 8th June, in recognition of the outstanding work of NHS staff, charity workers, teachers and the Armed forces.
This year’s ticket giveaway will be particularly relevant to members of the Armed Forces, as the West End cast of Operation Mincemeat – the musical based on the ‘secret’ mission which won us World War II – will perform on the main stage at this year’s Festival.
CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room, Vicki Perrin, said: “Once again, we are delighted to be able to treat some of our nation’s heroes to a day out at Hampton Court Palace, on us. This is a way for us to say thank you for the brilliant work our teachers, front line workers and armed forces do, year round.
“We hope that they enjoy our world-class live programming and that they come away inspired by the incredible authors, actors and experts with us at our festival.“
The Queen’s Reading Room Festival drew more than 8,000 visitors to its inaugural festival in 2023. The 2024 Queen’s Reading Room festival line-up will build on the success of last year’s event, which attracted visitors from all corners of the globe.
This year’s programme will see Miriam Margolyes take to the main stage in one of the Palace’s atmospheric Tudor courtyards to express her love and deep knowledge of Charles Dickens; Olivier winning actress Dame Harriet will join Helena Bonham Carter on the main stage for a very special edition of William Sieghart’s Poetry Pharmacy whilst Ken Follett will host Harlan Coben and Mick Herron for an exclusive session for thriller-fanatics, delving into Coben and Herron’s most secret and valuable tips for writing a story that will thrill, chill and fit the bill.
Visitors will be able to enjoy an array of street food, explore the stunning Palace on specially-created literary themed tours and tread the floors where Shakespeare once performed with his King’s Men; as well as wandering the sumptuous gardens bursting with life in summer and enjoying shows from our other headliners which include none other than Ann Cleeves, Elif Shafak, Kate Mosse and many, many others.
The Queen’s Reading Room, launched as a charity by Her Majesty The Queen in February 2023, is on a mission to spread the joy and benefits of reading and have just published their first neuroscientific research study into the link between reading fiction and well-being.
Highlights from the festival programme, which runs from 11am includes:
Operation Mincemeat: A Musical Showcase
Brilliant comedy meets a fascinating true story in Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical. The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.
Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.
The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler? In this hour-long showcase of the award-winning musical, Operation Mincemeat, the cast will perform selected highlights from the West End show, before joining the creatives for a Q&A exploring the creation of the show and the writing process.
William Sieghart presents his Poetry Pharmacy featuring Helena Bonham Carter and friends
Sometimes only a poem will do. In what is sure to be a mesmerising performance, Helena Bonham Carter, Clarke Peters and Dame Harriet Walter will explore poetry to ease any ailment: from loneliness, lack of courage, heartbreak, hopelessness, or even from an excess of ego…
In the years since he first had the idea of prescribing short, powerful poems for all manner of spiritual ailments, William Sieghart has taken his Poetry Pharmacy around the length and breadth of Britain, into the pages of the Guardian, onto BBC Radio 4 and onto the television, honing his prescriptions all the time. Join us as he brings the show to Hampton Court Palace for a very special Poetry Pharmacy.
Miriam Margoyles and friends: What the Dickens!
The inimitable Miriam Margolyes takes to the stage to express her love and deep knowledge of the little-known writer, Charles Dickens…
Expect her to be funny, fascinating and – let’s be honest – probably a little bit naughty as she commands an army of famous friends for an evening of great, great expectations. From Twist to Pip, from Bumble to Marley, Miss Haversham and Peggotty, the cast of great Dickensian novels will be brought to life with fanfare and flourish.
Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and Lee Child: The Perfect Crime
Three of our greatest living crime writers – Sir Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and Lee Child – take to the stage to discuss the crafting of a perfect crime.
They’ll talk about the art of creating tension, the importance of reliable procedure and the difficulties that come hand in hand with long-term characters who develop a personality of their own…
Rev Richard Coles: The Golden Age Mystery
Whether you know him from strutting his stuff on Strictly or ruminating on Radio 4, there’s no doubt that the Great British public loves the Reverend Richard Coles.
His instantaneous humour, endearing personality and emotional openness has ensured an army of fans that keenly await the release of his mystery novels.
Rev Coles will be talking to us about the mystery writers that have most influenced him over the years and how he continues to create these wonderful novels that resonate so strongly with his readers.
Kate Mosse presents: World War II – From Poland to Japan, Women Who Resisted
The incredible historical novelist Kate Mosse has adapted her one-woman show to perform a unique event for The Queen’s Reading Room Festival. Kate has developed an hour-long talk with music and images, that centres on the extraordinary women of World War II who showed unwavering courage in the face of unprecedented adversity.
From Irena Sendler, Yukiko Sugihara, Sophie Scholl and Renia Kukielka to Mary Elmes, Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo, her talk brings to life some of the unforgettable heroines who stood firm against the evils of the Third Reich.
Dr. Tracy Borman: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed The WorldJoin the brilliant best-selling author, historian and broadcaster, Dr Tracy Borman, for an illustrated talk on her latest book: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History.
Tracy will reveal, with reference to original documents and artefacts, how Anne Boleyn influenced her daughter Elizabeth I, and the enduring legacy these two women have had on the course of English history. All set within the gorgeous backdrop of Hampton Court, one of the foremost authorities on Tudor England will bring this historical duo’s shadowed relationship to light.
Elif Shafak: The Ethical Novelist
Celebrated novelist Elif Shafak joins us to discuss her latest novel There are Rivers in the Sky. She’ll explore how one lost poem, two great rivers and three remarkable lives, could all be connected by a single drop of water. She’ll examine the intricacies involved in writing about nature and the powerful hold that rivers can come to have over the imagination.
Mary Beard and Alex Michaelides: On the Classics
There are no two writers alive who are more suitable to discuss the complexities of the classical novel than Mary Beard and Alex Michaelides. Original, amusing and fiercely intelligent; there isn’t a subject on earth that these two staggeringly insightful writers are too fearful to tackle. Take to your seats, and enjoy the ride.
Harlan Coben and Mick Herron: Thrilling and Chilling
The adaptation of Harlan Coben’s ‘Fool Me Once’ has thrilled audiences as much as ‘Slow Horses’ based on Mick Herron’s novels have had the nation gripped. This special session will bring together the titans of thriller-writing, Harlan Coben and Mick Herron as they divulge their most secret and valuable tips for writing a story that will thrill, chill and fit the bill. Hosted by Ken Follett, Coben and Herron will discuss the excitement and terror involved in writing for the reader, before sitting down to watch your own literary creation on television.
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Bookable literary themed tours of the Palace, along with a schedule of free book signings are available throughout the event.
The festival is a co-production between The Queen’s Reading Room and Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace. Proceeds will go towards the ongoing work of both charities.
A young soldier who worked as a schoolteacher and played for Bolton Wanderers Football Club has finally been laid to rest in France along with two unknown soldiers, nearly 110 years after his death
Second Lieutenant (2ndLt) James Arthur Greenhalgh, of 1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, was buried with full military honours in a service organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.
The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner near Neuve-Chapelle on 22 May 2024.
Rosie Barron, MOD War Detective said: “It has been an honour to have worked with The Mercian Regiment, which today recruits from Cheshire, to organise the burial of 2ndLt Greenhalgh and these two unknown soldiers, and to have played a part in the identification of 2ndLt Greenhalgh.
“Although two of these men were sadly not identifiable, the Greenhalgh family now have answers as to what happened to their relative and he now rests in Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner alongside his comrades.”
2ndLt Greenhalgh, who came from Bolton, Lancashire, and had played for Bolton Wanderers Football Club, was killed on 22 October 1914 in the village of Violaines.
At 5:30 hours the enemy attacked their positions on the outskirts of the village. The alarm was raised by a patrol from D Company, but their trenches were rushed before they could resist and bayonet fighting ensued. The entire battalion was forced to retire with six Officers and 209 other ranks missing, many of whom were taken prisoner.
2ndLt Greenhalgh was reported later to have been in the trenches and to have been shot in the head. He was 25 years old.
His men were unable to recover him and, after the enemy had captured the village, a serjeant of The Norfolk Regiment was taken by a German Officer to the location where 2ndLt Greenhalgh had fallen and allowed to bury his body. After the war no trace of 2ndLt Greenhalgh’s grave was found, and as he was listed as missing. He was commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.
In 2020, the remains of three soldiers were found on the outskirts of Violaines during the construction of a new housing estate. Although two of the soldiers had no artefacts on them which would lead to their identification, one was believed to have been an Officer of The Cheshire Regiment. After DNA testing, this casualty was identified as 2ndLt Greenhalgh.
The service was attended by members of 2ndLt Greenhalgh’s family. His great niece, Joanna Potts, was unable to attend the service, but placed a personal inscription on behalf of the family on his headstone.
Joanna Potts, great niece of 2ndLt Greenhalgh said: “Hearing my Great Uncle had finally been found after all this time, has been an unexpected and surprisingly emotional time.
“We are so grateful that he will now be laid to rest and commemorated for the sacrifice he gave for us all.”
The coffin of Second Lieutenant Greenhalgh was carried to the graveside by serving soldiers of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Crown Copyright)
The coffin of 2ndLt Greenhalgh was carried through the cemetery by serving soldiers of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment and the service was conducted by the Rev Gary Birch CF, Chaplain to 19 Regiment Royal Artillery said: “I have officiated at a number of WW1 burials of both known and unknown service personnel, and each one is special and important in their own right.
“Being able to honour them and finally show them the proper dignity and respect they deserve reminds us of the fragility of life and gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect and learn the lessons of past conflict.”
The coffin of Second Lieutenant Greenhalgh is lowered onto the grave (Crown Copyright)
The graves will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC. Xavier Puppinck, Director for the France Area at the CWGC, said: “We are honoured to have played our part in helping to lay these exceptionally brave men to rest, more than 110 years after they put their lives on the line in Violaines.”
