A MOVING ‘Lights Out’ ceremony was held at Rubery Royal British Legion last night (Monday) to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War.
It began with Stephanie Cottrell from Rubery Youth Marching Band playing the Last Post and then the candle-lighting began at 10pm in the memorial garden.
A time of reflection was led by Giovanni ‘Spoz’ Esposito who also read aloud poetry.
After the service, the crowd went back into the bar where the lights were out until 11pm, enabling everyone to have their own time of quiet reflection by candlelight.
Matthew Long’s rendition of ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ got guests singing and led to a mass singalong of other well-known First World War songs.
Rubery Royal British Legion’s entertainment secretary Caroline Harris said: “We were amazed at the amount of people that attended this small venue so late in the evening, especially the younger members.
“It was a wonderful mark of respect was shown to the many that fought for our country during the First World War.”
Giovanni ‘Spoz’ Esposito led the time of reflection and read aloud some poetry. s
The crowds gathered around the memorial to participate in the poignant Lights Out event. s
The scene in the memorial garden. s
The memorial garden by candlelight. s
