2008 Kings Anniversary
01 February 2008
359th Anniversary of the King's death
The Association's short wreath laying ceremony was held as usual on the anniversary of the King's execution, with a dozen or so Members and friends present.
From left to right: Peter Picken; Colin Lloyd; John Booth; David Slater; Association President Peter Vaughan; Cllr Mike Shellie, Mayor of Kidderminster; Rev Canon Owain Bell, St Mary's Church; Eddie Blount; Raymond Blount; Mrs Sheila Ward; Norman Broadfield and Martin Hobson. The other person present was Martin Humphries, (behind the camera).
Rev Owain Bell opened the proceedings with a sort prayer, then talked about days in history that changed the world. He ranked the execution of Charles I with the British surrender at Yorktown in the American War of Independence and the bombing of the World Trade Centre as events after which the world would never be the same again. He also talked about the bravery of Charles, and his stubbornness concerning the Divine Right of Kings that ultimately cost him his life.
Association President Peter Vaughan spoke of the influence that Charles I had in the world ant large: there are several churches dedicated to Charles I as "King and Martyr", in England, Canada, Australia and the United States. The Colony of Carolina (now North Carolina and South Carolina) in North America was named for Charles, as were Cape Charles, the Charles River, and Charles City Shire.
He too remarked on Charles' bravery and said he felt honored to be associated with the School and the Association that bears his name. He then laid the wreath near to the Association's plaque beneath the King's portrait in the King Charles Room.
Rev Owain Bell wound up the proceedings with another short prayer.
Our photo shows Cllr Mike Shellie, Mayor of Kidderminster, Association President Peter Vaughan and Rev Canon Owain Bell, of St Mary's Church shortly before the ceremony.
The Association is indebted to the Mayor for hosting the ceremony, and Rev Owain Bell for officiating.
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