As it has been in years past, it was a great honour for us to be invited to perform at the Annual Commemoration event for the International Brigades, held by the IB Memorial Trust at Jubilee Gardens last Saturday lunchtime.
In addition to presentations from senior figures in the IBMT and the Asociación de Amigos de las Brigadas Internacionales, it was a delight to share the podium with Spanish rap artist Perro Lobo, with two members of the cast of Neil Gore’s new play (Dare Devil Rides to Jarama - about the amazing Speedway rider Clem Beckett who volunteered to fight in Spain), the respected historian and author Prof. Paul Preston, the leading Trade Unionist Rodney Bickerstaffe and internationally renowned actress Maxine Peake.
We were asked to kick the event off with two songs and, in recognition of the bravery of both the soldiers and the medical staff who volunteered to travel to Spain and fight fascism, we sang our compositions, The Bite and The English Penny. We were also asked to accompany those attending in a rendition of the marching song, The Valley of Jarama, after the laying of wreaths and a minute silence.
Other accompanied music was provided from Dare Devil Rides to Jarama, which begins its lengthy tour of the country on 24th September. Details of what sounds like a great show can be found at http://www.townsendproductions.org.uk/feedback/test .
Perro Lobo gave a bravura performance in Spanish of one of his compositions which internationally recognised actress Maxine Peake then powerfully delivered a translation of. Maxine later returned to the podium at the end of the event to read two very moving poems in honour of those who volunteered to fight fascism in Spain.
At the end of the event, many of those attending the Commemoration retired to the Camel & Artichoke in nearby Lower Marsh Street. Despite a few spots of rain, it had been hot out in the open in Jubilee Gardens and many were glad of some shade and a cool drink or two. We were able to stay for a short while but, having another musical engagement that evening, we had to say our goodbyes and leave late afternoon.
As always, many thanks to Jim Jump and Marlene Sidaway for the invitation to participate in this important and moving event