Royal Albert Hall – Festival of Remembrance 2011
During the last few months Corporal Laura Plant has experienced many changes, not least her acceptance into Welbeck College, which is a well-earned achievement and requires a lot of hard work.
Another memorable day for Corporal Plant, and one which will never be forgotten was her attendance at Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance.
Laura arrived at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday the 11th November for rehearsals, it was at this point the cadets where told that they would be providing the Honour Guard for the contingent of Chelsea Pensioners. Laura stated “This was a great honour, and we were all very excited as we practised marching into the arena.”
During a break in rehearsals, Laura continued to meet celebrities: singers Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins, and BBC News presenter Huw Edwards. There were yet more new on Friday evening, when Laura and her comrades were informed by the Garrison Sergeant Major that they would be taking part in the final muster parade, so more practising.
Saturday morning, brought more rehearsal time in the format of full dress rehearsal and still more news, Laura was informed that she would be part of the lining party on the stairwell for the arrival of the Prime Minister and Royal Family.
From here Laura can tell her story so much better:-
“After a hurried lunch, we were instructed on how to greet the various members of the royal family, should they choose to speak to us.
The matinee performance on the Saturday afternoon went quite well, with the event running smoothly, from the very first acts to the final notes of the National Anthem, but even this was surpassed by the quality of the evening performance. Before the Queen arrived, we took our positions on the staircase, and fell silent for the arrival of the Prime Minister. Shortly afterwards, members of the Royal Family began to arrive, with a few short conversations. Finally, the Queen arrived and was whisked up to the Royal Box. We quickly made our way to our very own staircase, and prepared to flank the Chelsea Pensioners. The pride we all felt as they came onto the stage, was second to none, especially when the audience gave a standing ovation. The final muster parade was the best part of the evening; there were blessings from religious leaders, the parading of the standards of the Royal British Legion, interviews from ex and serving soldiers. The Book of Remembrance was paraded by Sgt. Dipprasud Pun CGA from Royal Gurkha Rifles . With the notes of ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’ ringing across the arena and paper poppies falling from the ceiling during the Silence, the parade was a phenomenal experience.
The event was an amazing experience for all, and one we will never forget. We cheered the Queen, met celebrities, spoke to War Widows, we bulled our boots and stood on staircases like they were going out of fashion. We could not have asked for a more poignant, moving and awe-inspiring experience and it is a memory we will all treasure forever. “
This annual Festival of Remembrance, commemorates and honours all those who have lost their lives in conflicts, and is both a moving and enjoyable evening. The Event is attended by the Royal Family and this year the Festival was also attended by Sir Cliff Richard, Katherine Jenkins and Joe McElderry, along with the most important people, those who have fought, been injured or indeed the paid the ultimate price.
Warrant Officer Bone stated “We are so proud of Corporal Plant. Laura was always a valued member of the Squadron and worked hard in everything she did. We are sure that event will only add to her long list of accomplishments and involvement in Military life.”
