A SCHOOLGIRL will read her poem about returning from war in front of hundreds of servicemen and women past and present in Durham Cathedral on Saturday (November 7).
Thirteen-year-old Alice Robson’s The Return won a schools competition to create a poem for the Cathedral’s annual Festival of Remembrance concert.
The Belmont Community School pupil, from Gilesgate, Durham, wrote from the perspective of a child whose father has returned from war.
Her poem concludes: “I know he’s not well. That I can tell. But all I can say in fright is: “Daddy, are you alright?”
Alice said: “I was surprised to win. I’m looking forward to reading it.”
Charlotte Rowbotham, the Cathedral’s head of education, said: “The standard of poems was very high and there were some wonderful entries but we felt that Alice’s poem really gave insight into the emotions that a serviceman’s child can go through.
“I’m sure this will resonate with so many coming to the Festival of Remembrance concert and we are delighted that Alice will be reading it as part of the event on Saturday.”
The concert will feature music from military bands, a parade and the now-famous dropping of thousands of poppies from the Cathedral bell tower.
Proceeds will go to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
The concert starts at 7pm. Tickets, priced £10 to £18, can be booked by calling 03000-266-600 or online at galadurham.co.uk
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