This Years NAVAD took place on Sunday the 1st of October at the National Memorial Arboretum.
In a slight change to previous years a service was held in the Arboretums Millennium Chapel and was conducted by The Very Revd Dr Nicholas Frayling KStJ, Chaplain to the British Nuclear Tests Veterans’ Association. As is normal for NAVAD, the attendance was very good at around 40 people. We gathered together in the chapel at 11.30 for the service. Also in attendance were the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) who filmed the whole event as well as a photographer from the national press.
The Introduction in the order of service read as follows:
This Act of Worship provides an opportunity to give thanks for those who served: the living – among whom many are ill – as well as those now departed. It also provides an opportunity to pray for the peace of the world, and for those who in our own generation face danger on behalf of us all. During the service former Chairman of the BNTVA, Mr Nigel Heaps MBE read a passage from the bible before the Chaplain addressed all gathered.
The final part of the service at the Chapel was observed and the National Anthem was played by the organist. We then moved on to the BNTVA memorial.
As any of you who have attended NAVAD before, we are more often than not exposed to autumnal wind and rain. Thankfully this year the weather was kind to us and the 5 minute walk from the chapel to the memorial was very pleasant.
We gathered around the BNTVA memorial for the Act of Remembrance. The Bugler played a very emotional Last post followed by the Reveille. Wesley Perriman laid a wreath on behalf of the BNTVA and the NCCF.
After the event the congregated stayed to chat and greet each other while the BFBS interviewed veterans. All who attended were given a voucher to redeem at the NMA restaurant for tea and cake.
We would like to Thank Nicholas for conducting the service and the Bugler and Organist for setting the tone for the day. We also thank Sophie at the NMA for all her work in helping us arrange and co-ordinate the event to make it the success it was, thank you.
Details for NAVAD 2024 will be published in the next editions of exposure.
