Armistice Commemoration

I have been asked to assist in planning a commemorative event to follow the unveiling of the Truce Memorial (2008) and the Truce Exhibition (2014) at Frelinghien, France, on 10 Nov 2018.

The Saxons have suggested a football match, as played in 2008 and 2014, but this time between youth teams. They have a mixed team of 15-16 year old players ready to go and are trying to get the funding organised. The French can also field a team.

So far I have not been able to find a Welsh school interested in taking part. Can anyone help, please?

John

Bob, just an idea have you thought about approaching Cadet units.

Last desperate attempt.

The Saxons have already successfully started their funding campaign, having received an official invitation from the Mayor of Frelinghien. Regrettably we are still without a Welsh school team. If anyone can help, please do so.

John

Hi, John there's a cadet corps in Rossett Wrexham, they went out to tidy up and stand guard at the memorial to the 1RWF, my great nephew went might be worth a try .

Perhaps the museum could make an appeal to schools/teachers?

Lars

Have a look at my thread of the 30th January in " Notice Board " section under the title of New Community Project Grants.
My be worth call, contact details are in the thread.

Dave

Lars, Shirley has contacted all schools in the Caernarfon area. No success.

Dave, I'm severly handicapped by the fact that I live close to the German border. Makes it difficult to personally tackle likely subjects in Wales.

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Baconwallah

Lars, Shirley has contacted all schools in the Caernarfon area. No success.

Dave, I'm severly handicapped by the fact that I live close to the German border. Makes it difficult to personally tackle likely subjects in Wales.

John

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Sorry John, thought you lived a little nearer, agree location could be a sticking point in an application.

Cheers Dave

I don't know how big the London Welsh school
Is, but it would be easier for them to get across to Germany I haven't got any contacts but just brainstorming, know there's a lot of Welsh down there, many Welsh M Ps send there kids there so might be worth trying. Phil.

Forgot to mention my dad's cousin was one of the founder members Meredith Edwards if that could be y door opener. I have

Thanks for your input, Phil. Regrettably the London Welsh School teaches children up to 11 years of age. A bit young to play teams of 15-16 year olds on Armistice Day.

John

John i'll try on Facebook.

Posted:

From Dr John Krijnen. A Dutch-based military historian who specialises in The Royal Welch Fusiliers and it's participation in the Great War. We can pass on Dr Johns email address to interested schools.


"I have been asked to assist in planning a commemorative event to follow the unveiling of the Truce Memorial (2008) and the Truce Exhibition (2014) at Frelinghien, France, on 10 Nov 2018. The Saxons have suggested a football match, as played in 2008 and 2014, but this time between youth teams. They have a mixed team of 15-16 year old players ready to go and are trying to get the funding organised. The French can also field a team.
So far I have not been able to find a Welsh school interested in taking part. Can anyone help, please"

Many thanks, Al. Keeping fingers (and toes) crossed!

John

John, Just perhaps a long shot but would it be worth contacting the Welsh Schools Football Association. Web site is www.welshschoolsfa.co.uk

I believe one objectives is to promote the development of young players with a view to representing the National side.

Another is the Wrexham District Youth Football League. Aims of the league is to promote youth football within Wales and abroad.

Website : http://www.leaguewebsite.com/wrexham...footballleague

Dave

Good idea, Dave, many thanks. I'll get on to it this weekend.

John

Did you find a school, John?

No such luck, Shaz, thanks for asking.

Even Mr Joe Mann of the Welsh Schools Football Association could not find any takers. So the Armistice Commemoration tournament at Frelinghien will just have a school from Armentières and a school from Dresden.

If you should find yourself in the area on 10 November, consider yourself invited.

John

Sounds lovely. You never know, send me an email?

A friend of mine recently started a football team in Holyhead and I know the Holyhead Hotspurs have a juniors team. Shall I ask around? It's not a school but is age appropriate.

Also, not specifically Welsh but what about the BSN in Voorschoten? I know they are also active with Poppy activities, so it's a possibility (and closer)

X

A team from Holyhead might be an option, Shaz. thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to ask the French organisers as it may be a bit late in the day to change the current plans.

But you could perhaps start by asking if they're interested (and can sort their own sponsoring) ?

John

Have sent my friend an email. Will keep you posted.

Pat also said he'd love to join in Nov. Send me details, please x

14:18 Update: the details are being passed onto the club secretary to see if the managers of that age group would be interested.

I've contacted my friends in Frelinghien to see if a third team can still be accommodated. I have also asked for a prelininary programme and shall post it here if it materialises.

An additional note, Shaz: the teams will consist of 15 year olds (give or take a year) and be mixed.

John

I hope to hear about the organisation of the Armistice commemorations soon. I can't upload the programme (in French) as vBulletin thinks it is an invalid file. PM me your e-mail address and I´ll send it, Shaz.

John

Sharon, although the Mayor is still on holiday the remaining members of the organising committee have reacted with wild enthusiasm, a Welsh school found at last!

Please contact me so we can get this sorted as soon as possible.

John

I haven't heard from them yet.

I'll let you know asap.

Edit: just got this. Such a shame.

Hello... got feedback this morning... sadly with it being self funding the Managers did not think there was enough time to sort everything out... it is a fantastic event .. very memorable... hope you manage to Get a Welsh Team

I'm not really surprised, Sharon. But disappointed.

E-mail on the way.

John