A commemorative star-studded WWI event takes place in Barnes this month. Sophie Farrah reveals all
During the Christmas of 1914, something extraordinary happened in the harrowing trenches along parts of World War I’s Western Front. As darkness fell on Christmas Eve, both German and British soldiers began to sing and exchange carols across No Man’s Land, and come Christmas Day both sides put down their weapons and tentatively emerged to meet. Together they buried casualties and repaired trenches and dugouts, exchanged seasonal greetings and small gifts, took photographs and played impromptu games of football and for a short time – the fighting stopped.
This unofficial ceasefire is considered a symbolic moment of peace and humanity amidst one of the most violent events of human history and has since inspired poetry, literature and more. With 2018 marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the World War I and Christmas fast approaching, there is a very special weekend planned in Barnes this month…
This unique event of two halves kicks off on Saturday December 9 in St Mary’s Church with The Gift of Christmas, a lively Christmas revue devised and directed by actress Amanda Waring. The tears and laughter, miracles and disasters of the festive season will be recounted and celebrated through the words of Alan Ayckbourn, Joyce Grenfell, Charles Dickens, Benjamin Zephaniah, Adrian Mole and more.
Andy Gotts
There will be Christmas carols and the obligatory mince pies of course, but one of the evening’s many highlights will undoubtedly be actress, author and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna OBE reading a passage from author Michael Morpurgo’s The Best Christmas Present in The World, a touching tale from the battlefields of World War I, and of the football match that unfolded during the famous Christmas truce.
“The excerpt that I am reading is very special to me. Over several years I’ve taken part in Michael’s dramatized production of this unique World War I story, but however often I read it I never fail to be deeply moved by the extraordinary meeting of enemies in No Man’s Land,” explains Virginia.
“Sharing moments of friendship at Christmas, telling stories of family and home, united by that spiritual feeling that surrounds so many people at the time of Jesus’s birth, and then the moments of peace end and the men return to their fearful destiny. However often these memories are retold, their heart-breaking poignancy never diminishes.”
After enjoying the sights and sounds of the revue and hearing Virginia McKenna bring Morpurgo’s moving story to life, the following day will see that very football match re-enacted just moments from the church on Barn Elms Playing Field. German football team Borussia Dortmund’s fan club will represent the opposition, whilst the England team will be captained by none other than comedian, television presenter and actor, Jack Whitehall.
“It’s just extraordinary to think of those men sent out to kill each other, coming out of those hellholes of trenches to celebrate Christmas by playing a football match. I don’t suppose they could speak each other’s language, but they showed us just how much sport is a common language,” enthuses Jack.
“My football skills? Think Thierry Henri” he grins.
Joining Jack as the all-important referee is Arsenal legend Lee Dixon, and rumour has it that the Chelsea Pensioners may also be coming along to watch the action unfold. The haunting Stille Nacht/Silent Night will be performed by a German English choir and local pub The Red Lion will be firing up the barbeque should you wish to buy something hot and tasty to enjoy during this extraordinary match.
“Jack said he’d go pretty much anywhere for a soccer match, bless him! I’ve told him, by the way, that the German team are having two warm-up matches before the day, so he’s on his mettle!” laughs event organiser and Barnes resident Anne Mullins.
“Both events will be a lot of fun and, without being too pompous about it, I just hope that people will find a taste of that spirit that made those young men climb out of the trenches to join with what was supposed to be the enemy, in order to celebrate peace and goodwill”
Tickets for this unique and unforgettable Christmas event are available now, with all proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK.
The Gift of Christmas takes place at 6pm on Saturday December 9 at St Mary’s Church, Church Rd, Barnes followed by The Gift of Football at 1pm on Sunday December 10 at Barn Elms Playing Field, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9SA. Combined tickets for both events are £12 for adults or £8 for 12s and under. Tickets for the match only: £5.
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