I’ve been working with Chris Grace and have just this week released a new single called ‘Remember Poppy Day’. Here’s the press release…
Chris Grace tells us how he was inspired to write the poem which started the Remember Poppy Day project.
“I was admiring the beautiful poppy field painting by Teresa Scannella (which is being sold as part of this project to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society) on the Surrey Artists website and it made me think more deeply about the sacrifices of those who fought in the wars.
Having watched the superb Battle of Britain programmes on TV showing the courage of just some of the many people who fought in the wars, it made me feel guilty that I rarely remember to stop for the 2 minutes silence and respect.
That’s partly through being so busy yourself, but also a change in habits and environment. If eveyone else is also busy and rushing around, they often don’t stop, and in most cases you do the same.
In the past, radio stations on all channels would stop to announce and observe the 2 minutes silence, which was a useful reminder.
What is a minute or two of our lives compared to the years they gave? That inspired me to write the first part of the poem; “
I remember when I was young
a strange day in a crowded town
everyone rushing and then a bell
people stood like statues and silence fell
Buses halted, although planes still flew
Factories stopped and offices too
And then I heard my Mother say
Remember, this is Poppy Day
We all live such hectic lives these days
As we rush around and round
forgetting it’s poppy day,
and forgetting those so still in the ground
So take a minute of your life to remember
a minute’s so much less than the years
of their lives, they gave for me and you
and remember the survivors and their tears
(this is a short extract)
A recent interest in Family Tree programmes like ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ gave Chris the ideas for the part about the survivors and for other verses. “The programmes made me realise that so many men didn’t speak of the past, often due to their awful experiences. So it occurred to me that although we have a day to remember the dead, they aren’t the only victims. The survivors are victims too and they should be in our thoughts.
The final thread of the poem is about the families and friends of those killed or injured. They need to be able to move on with their lives and be happy”.
But then after all the sad moments,
remember to be happy
It’s what they would have wanted for us
when they died for you and for me
For 4 years Chris has been a fan of two very talented Surrey singers and songwriters, Olly & Sam Wedgwood. “They are both world class but not well known, because they never had the break their talents deserve”. If you’ve ever had a piano lesson, the chances are you learnt from a piano book by their mother, Pam Wedgwood (sales of over half a million books). Their father Denis was Principal Cornet in the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for 9 years. With both parents being talented musicians, Olly & Sam started playing a multitude of instruments to the highest level from a young age,
So Chris could not have teamed up with better musicians.
“I’ve been working with both brothers recently with their separate acts. Everyone who hears their music is so impressed.
I was delighted when Olly was moved by the poem and wanted us to release it as a single.
Olly’s intricate but delicate piano playing and passionate and sensitive vocals are so appropriate. Further emotion and drama is added by the superb saxophone of Georgi Bartlett, who Chris recommended after hearing her performances with Elmbridge Big Band and Choir, of which he is a member. Backing vocals are provided by Sam Wedgwood, who for well over a year toured the world’s major arenas with Jamie Cullum as guitarist, vocalist and trumpeter”.
“It’s been an emotional roller coaster, since the poem and song are very moving and the subject of wartime loss is, of course, still so real for many families today. On the other side of the emotions is the pleasure from working with such great artists and musicians who have become good friends. I would be delighted if this helps Olly & Sam get some of the recognition they deserve. They really are two of the most talented singers and musicians in the country”.
“The video can be viewed at www.remember-poppy-day.com . You can also see the video on YouTube by searching for ‘Olly Wedgwood Poppy Day’ I hope you like it – please give it the thumbs up on Youtube and let your friends know.
But most of all, on 11th November, preferably at 11am, please take two minutes of your life to remember.”
