National radio coverage of the Journey of the Unknown Warrior Collaboration
Eleanor Pullen • November 17, 2020
You’ll have read in our previous post about our exciting collaboration with Westminster City Council to commemorate one of the most poignant centenaries of the First World War: the burial of the Unknown Warrior.
We are thrilled this collaboration has attracted the interest of national radio including Good Morning Sunday on BBC Radio 2 with Reverend Kate Bottley and Jason Mohammad. Listen again here
at 1:28:55 as choir member Carrie, from Culdrose Military Wives Choir, talks about the reimagining of the track 'Abide with Me'. Serving in the Armed Forces herself and as a granddaughter and daughter of military personnel, Carrie gets across the breadth of our network and that choir members are from all military backgrounds but come together in a united sisterhood.
Michael Fanstone from Premier Christian Radio also spoke with a choir member, Ruth from Halton Military Wives Choir, on Inspirational Breakfast who talks about the unique way we recorded 'Abide with Me' with individual recording booths and a video of our Artistic Director Hilary Davan Wetton conducting. Ruth also impresses how much choir is a part of her life and the advantage of our shared repertoire! Listen again here.
We were also fortunate enough to be invited to join an Instagram live with BFBS and Amy Casey where our trustee Richard discussed all things Military Wives Choirs from the newly released single 'Abide with Me', to the beginnings of our network and the film 'Military Wives'. Listen again on our Instagram here.
Military Wives Choirs Bids Farewell to Hilary Davan Wetton and Appoints Joanna Tomlinson as the new Artistic Director
A Royal Performance to Remember
We are delighted to have received a letter of thanks from The King, expressing his appreciation for our new single, ‘November Sunday’, a song presented as an early birthday gift to celebrate His Majesty’s forthcoming birthday on 14th November. In the letter, The King said: “I am writing to express my warmest possible gratitude for your very kind early birthday present, in the form of your new single, ‘November Sunday’. While those of us of a certain age may feel the need for any such birthday celebrations is in inverse proportion to our advancing years, I am none the less deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute. “I also wanted to thank you for your steadfast support not only for your loved ones serving in our Military, who sacrifice so much time away from you and your families to protect us, but also for one another. “Having sung in a choir myself when I was at school, I know the joy of performing together can create close-knit friendships and support groups, and I remain a firm believer that music has a unique power to unite and inspire us all. My wife joins me in sending you all our blessings and kindest wishes.” ‘November Sunday’, released on 1st November, is a tribute to His Majesty and reflects the strong ties between the Royal Family and the Armed Forces. The song’s evocative lyrics reflect the joy brought to post-war Britain on 14th November 1948, marking the birth of the future King and celebrating the enduring bond with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.  The piece was recorded by 100 singers from the Military Wives Choirs, drawn from the network in the UK and overseas, alongside the magnificent sounds of The Band of the Household Cavalry. With music and lyrics by John McLaren, the track brings together the nostalgia of the 1940s, enhanced by the artistry of platinum-selling producer Sean Hargreaves (Sigala, Paloma Faith, Ella Eyre) and arranger Steve Turner. This cross-genre production offers both the formality of a military ensemble and a bright, pop-influenced appeal. ‘November Sunday’ is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube: all links to the project can be found here .
