Become an Armistice Day Pal

TO mark the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of World War One, and to support the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, the Warrington based charity is pleased to announce that a wide selection of distinctive voices and musicians from the folk world have made a special recording of the classic anti-war song ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone’ which is being released today, Armistice Day (Tuesday Nov 11).
The original recording, made by Pete Seeger in 1960 – there have been many different versions since. Not only does this recording include the vocals of many contemporary folk musicians, at the request of his sister Peggy Seeger and by using modern technology the original voice of Pete Seeger has been included in the mix making this a unique recording.
Over the years the song has been produced in dozens of different languages, reflecting the fact that the suffering of war recognises no frontiers. The song was also chosen for inclusion in the funeral of Harry Patch, the last surviving British soldier to have taken part in World War One.
The download version and CD is now available to buy and all proceeds are to be split between four charities including the Foundation for Peace. You can also pre-order a very special 7in vinyl souvenir copy.
The Armistice Pals is a community, not just of the fine musicians involved but also of anyone else who wishes to be involved – even those of us who can’t sing or play but do love the idea and the music. Folk clubs around the country are committing to Armistice Pals nights in varying forms during this week.
Nick Taylor, Chief Executive of the Foundation for Peace said: “at the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh month, 100 years ago World War One came to an end but violent conflict has continued and is our world continues to face many challenges of war and terrorism.
“Where have all the flowers gone is a classic anti-war song and the Armistice Pals community have evoked the great spirit of the Lancashire Pals that played such a key role in keeping us safe.
It only costs £2.50 to buy and all proceeds are being donated to charities that are working to prevent violent conflict and respond to war and terrorism.”
On Armistice Day and throughout the week, there are Armistice Pals evenings up and down the country singing songs about peace, anti war or the effects of war, and rounding it off with a group rendition of Where Have All The Flowers Gone.”
To find out more about Armistice Pals contact [email protected] or on the website with more information http://www.armisticepals.com/ and a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/armisticepals and a twitter account https://twitter.com/ArmisticePals
Artists – David Swarbrick, Judy Dyble, Linda Simpson, Johnny Coppin, Merry Hell, Lucy Ward, Reg Meuross, Jess Vincent, Ray Cooper, Flossie Malavialle, Said The Maiden, Eric Bazilian, Robb Johnson, Siân James, Richard Ryall (Littmus), Peter Robinson, Dave Mather, Kellie While, Kelly Oliver, Patsy Matheson, Gavin Davenport, Christine Collister, Ninebarrow, Luke Jackson, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Gren Bartley, Chris While, Julie Matthews, Pete Seeger, Peggy Seeger, Edwina Hayes and the Armistice Pals Chorus.
The charities to benefit from the proceeds are: The Malala Fund, the British Red Cross and the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace and an organisation seeking charitable status, Peace through Folk.
Armistice Day is commemorated every year on 11 November to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western, which took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning—the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918.
To find out more about the work of the Foundation log onto www.foundation4peace.org