The 359th Anniversary of the King's execution took place on Wednesday 30th January from 2 pm for 2:30 pm in the King Charles I Room, Kidderminster Town Hall, hosted by President Peter Vaughan.
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.
Canon Owain Bell opened the proceedings with a short 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 Center 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.
Peter Vaughan spoke of the influence that Charles I had in the world at 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's bravery and said he felt honoured 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.
Canon Bell wound up the proceedings with another short prayer.
Our photo shows Cllr Mike Shellie, Mayor of Kidderminster; Peter Vaughan, Association President; and Canon Owain Bell, Vicar of St Mary's Church shortly before the ceremony.
The Association is indebted to the Mayor for hosting the ceremony, and Canon Bell for officiating.