Kenilworth's vigil for the Somme very well attended

Kenilworth's vigil to those who died in the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago attracted far more people than expected, orgnaisers have said.
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The vigil, held in the early hours of Friday July 1 in St Nicholas Church, had 42 people attend to pay their respects to those who had fallen in one of the bloodiest battles in history.

The service started at 4.30am to reflect the time when the soliders were preparing to go over the top. It ended at 7.30am with a minute’s silence, followed by a recital of the Wilfred Owen poem ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth.’

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Francis Arnold, president of the Kenilworth branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “The number of people that turned up was many more than I expected, which was very gratifying.

“I think people may have felt close to the event becuase a number of them who came brought details of their grandfathers or great-grandfathers who fought.

“During Sunday’s service people were saying the vigil was a very moving experience.”

Francis wished to thank churchwarden Keith Grierson for his help in organising the vigil, as well as everyone who came.

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