https://wordpress-191066-567142.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/war-horse-service3.jpg 720 576 The War Horse Memorial The War Horse Memorial https://wordpress-191066-567142.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/war-horse-service3.jpg April 19, 2018 April 19, 2018

Service of Blessing.

Holy Trinity Parish and Garrison Church, Windsor.

Almost 300 people from all corners of the UK joined us for the Service of Blessing at Holy Trinity Parish and Garrison Church, Windsor on Tuesday ( April 17, 2018). This was held to recognise the precious and treasured artefacts kindly donated by the families of veterans of WW1 before they are placed at the feet of the war horse monument in an airtight chamber to be preserved for all time. The service included:

Readings by Councillor John Lenton, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ; Arthur Currie, In-Pensioner at the Royal Hospital, in Chelsea and Major Brian Rogers LG, Officer Commanding Household Cavalry Training Wing
Poems read by Jenny Seagrove, actress and founder, Mane Chance Sanctuary and actor Sir Timothy Ackroyd
Music by Friederike Krum, award-wining Mezzo Soprano; Captain Gary Chilton, Corps of Army Music and The Windsor and Eton Choral Society
The first public performance of Elegy To The War Horse, music and arrangement by Major Craig Hallatt, Director of Music and Officer Commanding The Band of the Household Cavalry
Prayers and Blessing by The Rector, the Reverend Ainsley Swift and Assistant Curate, the Reverend Kate Harrison.

Holy Trinity Parish and Garrison Church, Windsor.

Star of the show everyone agreed was Maggie, a beautiful white horse (pictured here) who was led down the aisle as the strains of the enigmatic Elegy faded. Maggie and her handler Andy Smerdon were dressed in authentic WW1 uniform to signify the solemnity of the occasion, but also to remember the service and sacrifice of millions of UK, Allied and Commonwealth horses, mules and donkeys during 1914-1918.

Service of Blessing, Windsor.

Co-founders of The War Horse Memorial said it was so lovely to see so many families, friends and representative from charities and good causes at the event, and to get a chance to thank them in person over a cup of tea afterwards for their generous support.