Gedling man pens touching ceremonial poem to remember war fallen

A Gedling man’s touching poem to remember the fallen in the First World War will feature at the Victoria Embankment memorial service on Sunday.

Bruce Lakin, 73, from Gedling took four days to pen the piece called ‘Mother Dear’.

Writing the poem in his spare time Mr Lakin, who had relatives who fought in both World Wars, wanted to write the piece to keep the memories of those lost alive.

He said: “It’s a period of time that I think should never be forgotten, and the more we can talk about it, the more the story continues over time. Sadly the tales get less and less to tell, as the people aren’t there to talk about it any more.”

I’m incredibly honoured to be asked

“Conditions were atrocious, and young lads were frightened. They must have been thinking about home, mums and dads, brothers and sisters – none of us will ever know how it was, and that is why I wrote this poem.”

Mr Lakin will read his poem at the Remembrance Day Service alongside Lord Mayoress Councillor Jackie Morris.

“I’m really pleased, I’m quite chuffed is the word to be asked to read with the Lord Mayoress.”

Fans at Nottingham Forest observed a minutes silence at the Forest v Derby game on Friday night.

Video: Hear Mr Lakin read his poem

Money raised from the sale of poppies throughout October and November will go to help provide medical assistance and shelter for war veterans and soldiers recently returned from fighting overseas.