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Eglantine Photographs

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Remembrance Sunday at Eglantine Parish Church

Pictured at the twenty-one Commonwealth War Graves at Eglantine Parish Church are L to R:  (back row) Maurice Hanna (People�s Warden), Brian Fitzsimons (Standard Bearer - 31 Group, Royal Observer Corps Association), Paddy Malone, Wing Commander Harry Allen, the Rector - Rev Canon William Bell, Flt Lt Roy Kerr (OC 817 Lisburn ATC), David Orr and Geoffrey Simpson (Rector�s Warden).  Included in the front row are Cadets from 2004 Ballynahinch Squadron.

Pictured at the twenty-one Commonwealth War Graves at Eglantine Parish Church are L to R:  (back row) Maurice Hanna (People�s Warden), Brian Fitzsimons (Standard Bearer - 31 Group, Royal Observer Corps Association), Paddy Malone, Wing Commander Harry Allen, the Rector - Rev Canon William Bell, Flt Lt Roy Kerr (OC 817 Lisburn ATC), David Orr and Geoffrey Simpson (Rector�s Warden).  Included in the front row are Cadets from 2004 Ballynahinch Squadron.

Pictured at the Remembrance Sunday Service at Eglantine Parish Church is L to R:  Roberta Cumins, Robert Cumins, Rev Canon William Bell and Noel Adams (Peoples� Glebewarden).  Robert Cumins, born in January 1921, joined the RAF in June 1940 and trained as a Flight Mechanic and worked as an Engine Fitter at Sydenham, Maghaberry, Long Kesh and Nutts Corner.  After his squadron moved to York, Robert was sent to North Africa where he was involved in the repair of Spitfires at Blida, Algeria.

Pictured at the Remembrance Sunday Service at Eglantine Parish Church is L to R:  Roberta Cumins, Robert Cumins, Rev Canon William Bell and Noel Adams (Peoples� Glebewarden).  Robert Cumins, born in January 1921, joined the RAF in June 1940 and trained as a Flight Mechanic and worked as an Engine Fitter at Sydenham, Maghaberry, Long Kesh and Nutts Corner.  After his squadron moved to York, Robert was sent to North Africa where he was involved in the repair of Spitfires at Blida, Algeria.

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The Rector, the Rev Canon William Bell, conducted a Remembrance Sunday Service at the Parish Church of All Saints�, Eglantine.  Followed the laying of wreaths, Flt Lt Roy Kerr (OC 817 Lisburn ATC) read the names of those from the congregation who laid down their lives during the First and Second World War.  In his address Canon Bell said that there are some things we want to remember and some things we want to forget.  He explained that for many, remembering can be a painful experience as they recall horrific scenes of concentration camps, the blitz and air raids.  He also explained that remembering can be a fulfilling, refreshing and uplifting time as we celebrate the gift of freedom and give thanks for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  He concluded by looking forward with faith and hope for the time when men will �turn their spears into pruning hooks and learn war no more�.

The Parish Church Choir led the worship and the organist was Norma Bell.  The congregational Hymns included: �O God our help in ages past�, �Thine be the glory�, the Royal Air Force hymn � �O ruler of the earth and sky� and �God is our strength and refuge� (to the tune of the Dambusters March).  The choir sang the anthem, �God! As with silent hearts we bring to mind how hate and war diminish humankind.�

Following the service the congregation gathered in the graveyard behind the church where twenty-one Commonwealth Air Force servicemen (from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and) killed during the Second World War are buried.  Flt Lt Roy Kerr (OC 817 Lisburn ATC) read the names of the twenty-one who died.  After the laying of wreaths and the placing of crosses at each grave, a short service of remembrance was conducted by Canon Bell. 

13/11/2006