WWI Memorial Concert
November 2nd 2018
A capacity crowd filled St Francis Xavier Cathedral in honour of two centenary events - the Armistice of WWI and the completion of Stage 1 of the Cathedral.
The concert took place in the Cathedral which had been decorated with 7,000 poppies, knitted or crocheted by community members. Members of the audience were entertained outside the Cathedral by the Geraldton City Band playing wartime tunes with welcome refreshments being served by staff from Batavia TAFE. The 11th Battalion Living History Unit performed a slow march into the cathedral to commence the memorial segment of the concert. They then mounted a catafalque around the eternal flame. Joshua Duff from the Geraldton City Band played the Last Post on a bugle belonging to Sergeant Roy Thompson of Geraldton which had been brought back from Gallipoli after Sgt Thompson was killed. Glenda Sibson and Annette Sellers, who both had relatives listed on the Cathedral WWI Honour Boards, lit a candle for each fallen soldier as their names were called in the Roll of Honour by Ron Hayward. The Musical Programme then began with all 3 artists combining for Bach's Cantata 51 followed by various solos and combinations. A highlight of the concert was the Geraldton Choral Society's rendition of 'In Flanders Fields'. The concert closed with the 'Rouse' being played by Joshua Duff on Sgt Roy Thompson's bugle.
We are grateful to our Sponsors who helped to make this memorable event possible.
- Colour Guard Shane Day
- Dr Stuart Adamson, Harry Adamson & Mike McGillivray
- Geraldton City Band
- Staff from Batavia TAFE
- Ushers from St Lawrence Primary School Staff Louise Oliveri & Demi Ahearn
- Tom and Linda Thuijs
- Mike Driscoll, Kath Clarkson and Harry Wade
- Jean Collins & Judy Critch
- Loretta Wells and Joy Reinhardt
- Mary Marsh and Kaye Hicks
- Councillor Lewis Freer & Councillor Natasha Colliver
- Barbara McConkey, Jeanette Day
- Organist Jacinta Jacovcevic with page turner Penny Watt
- Delma Attrill, Debbie & John Moore
- Denise Green and Jill Proudlove
- Ann Smith, Bishop Michael Morrissey & Wendy Gorman
- Danny & Nan Rickards & Anne Kenney
- Geraldton Choral Society conducted by Chris Clune
- Jacinta Jacovcevice on organ, Yoram Levy on Trumpet and Soprano Katje Webb
- Joshua Duff with Roy Thompson’s Bugle
- Lighting of memorial candles by Glenda Sibson & Annette Sellers
- Catafalque