A group of 13 children and 9 adults from the Cathedral Choir in Peel will embark on a poignant journey to Ypres, Belgium, from April 7th to 9th, to participate in the evening Remembrance Ceremony at the iconic Menin Gate. Under the direction of Dr. Peter Litman, the choir will pay tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War, with a particular focus on Peel-born Private Robert Arthur Vick.
Private Vick, a member of the King’s Liverpool Regiment, went missing in action on 25th September 1917. His name is inscribed on the Great War Roll of Honour on the War Memorial in the Cathedral grounds, making his story an integral part of the choir’s journey. During their time in Belgium, the choir will follow in the footsteps of Private Vick, visiting key sites of remembrance in the Ypres Salient, where many soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Journey of Reflection and Remembrance
The choir’s trip will begin with a visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world. Here, the choir will perform “Ellan Vannin,” a moving tribute to the Manx lads who perished in the Great War. The choir will then visit several significant sites, including Vancouver Corner, Langemark Cemetery, Hooge Crater, and Essex Farm, where the tragic history of the war is brought to life through the preserved trenches and the poignant museum exhibits.
The choir’s guide for the day will be John Lee of ‘Battlefield and Education Tours,’ who will provide insightful commentary on the sites, helping the group to understand the personal stories behind the monuments they visit.
The Menin Gate Ceremony
The highlight of the trip will be the choir’s performance at the Remembrance Ceremony held every evening at the Menin Gate in Ypres. The ceremony, which has taken place every day since 1928, honours the soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient and have no known grave. The choir will perform two moving pieces: “O Come Y Servants of the Lord” by Christopher Tye, and the beloved hymn “The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended,” written by the former King William’s College pupil, Rev’d John Ellerton. The latter hymn was chosen for its personal connection to the Isle of Man and the Cathedral community.
The choir will be joined by Alan Jones, Peel Commissioner and standard bearer for the Peel Royal British Legion, who will proudly carry the Royal British Legion flag in uniform. The Very Rev’d Nigel Godfrey, Dean of the Cathedral, will also accompany the group on his final choir tour before his retirement in 2026, adding another layer of significance to this emotional journey.
A Special Tribute to the Young Soldiers
This trip holds special meaning for the choir, particularly for the young members, many of whom are close in age to the soldiers like Private Vick who were called up during the war. The children will have the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those their age and younger, bringing a deep sense of personal connection to the events they are commemorating.
Support from the Community
The trip has been made possible thanks to the generous support of The Brien Trust, The Elizabeth Clucas Trust, The Admiral Feteris Foundation, and numerous individual donors who contributed through a crowdfunding campaign. The choir and Dr. Litman are deeply grateful for the support that has enabled this powerful trip to become a reality.
Dr. Litman said, “This will be an unforgettable experience for the choir. Not only will they be able to honour the sacrifice of Private Vick and so many others, but they will also connect with history in a very personal way. It is truly special to witness young people taking part in such a meaningful and reflective journey.”
The choir’s visit to Ypres will provide a unique opportunity to learn, reflect, and honour those who gave their lives during one of the most devastating periods in history. Through music, remembrance, and a deep connection to the past, the Peel Cathedral Choir will pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Great War, ensuring that their stories continue to live on.
Dr Litman tells us more about the trip:
For more information on the Peel Cathedral Choir’s upcoming performances and events, visit Cathedral.im
