A MOTHER whose son was killed in action in Afghanistan has spoken of her pride at being asked to lead tributes at Durham Cathedral’s Festival of Remembrance next month.
Jaquie Holloway will remember the Somme and Jutland battles 100 years ago and link it to present conflicts, when she appears at an event which combines celebration and commemoration at 7pm on Saturday November 12.
Her son Captain Richard Holloway, 29, of Hamsterley near Bishop Auckland, was killed on December 23 2013 while on a special operation East of Kabul.
Jaquie Holloway, mother of Captain Richard Holloway who was was killed in action in Afghanistan will give tribute at Festival of Remembrance. Picture: GAVIN ENGELBRECHT
Speaking at the cathedral on Wednesday, Mrs Holloway said: “It is a great honour (to be asked).
“Richard’s funeral was in Durham Cathedral, which makes it even more poignant.
“My address will be very personal, but I am going to talk about the Somme and link the past to the present.
“I think it is extremely important that we not only remember what has gone, but also the fact that there are still conflicts going on and great sacrifices being made.”
Remembering her son, she said: “He was very special and we are very proud of his achievements. He made his mark on the world.
“We hadn’t realised to what extent he influenced so many people.”
Mrs Holloway added: “We must also remember those who have come back, but who have suffered, either physically mentally or emotionally.”
An arts co-ordinator at Bishop Auckland’s St John’s School and Sixth Form College, Mrs Holloway took students to Thiepval for the Somme commemoration on July 1, as part of the British Council’s Somme 2016 Education Programme.
Mrs Holloway said: “It is vital that one recognises the sacrifice and I truly believe it is important that our young people recognise this.”
Today students were piped into the cathedral by a member of the 102 Battalion Pipe Band to present a Peace Globe ahead of their appearance at the festival.
They will also be mounting an exhibition, at the festival, about their visit to Thiepval.Major Eric Ingram, who organises the concert, said: “We are delighted that the students from St John’s School can join us at this year’s festival, bringing with them a very current angle to the Somme centenary, which, alongside the Battle of Jutland centenary, we are marking at the festival this year.”
The Festival of Remembrance is an annual event and includes a muster parade, performances by military, emergency service and community bands and choirs and the famous poppy drop from the cathedral tower.
The Band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, 102 Battalion Pipe Band, Durham Musical Theatre Company, George Colley Singers and Hartlepool Community Choir and singers John Rowland and Julie Pendleton will be performing.
All funds raised at the Festival of Remembrance go to the ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity – who offer a lifetime of support to soldiers and veterans from the British Army, and their immediate families.
Tickets are £10 - £18 and available from the Gala Theatre Box Office on 03000 266 600 or www.galadurham.co.uk
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