The strains of ‘Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag’ will echo around Hove on Thursday November 15 as locals gather to share their family memories and memorabilia of the First World War on board Brighton & Hove Buses’ Heritage Bus.
THE Brighton & Hove Soiree Rotary Club has invited all the neighbours around for a chat and a sing song while The Loose Canons Choir will sing First World War songs next to the bus, which will be parked outside the Hove Club. Everyone is welcome is welcome to attend.
Club President, Ann Dieckmann, said members wanted to do something special to mark the centenary of Armistice Day and the end of WW1.
She added: “We thought it would be amazing to get the Heritage Bus to come to the club. Seeing the visuals on the bus brings it home to people and stimulates discussion.”
One local Rotary member is related to the famous WW1 artist, Sir William Orpen, and he’ll be bringing along some of his great uncle’s work from the Western Front. Another remembers his injured grandad being treated in the WW1 hospital in the Royal Pavilion.
Brighton & Hove Buses’ Managing Director Martin Harris said: “It’s such a lovely idea to get people together and reminisce on our bus, which is dedicated to the fallen in WW1.
“Buses are social spaces and they lend themselves to sharing memories and building camaraderie. We’re proud to help Rotary host this event so locals can share their memories and honour the service men and women and civilians involved in past and present conflicts, while looking towards a more peaceful future.”
The heritage bus will be parked outside The Hove Club, 28 Fourth Avenue, Hove BN3 2PJ between 6.15pm and 7.15pm on Thursday, November 15.
There will be a talk about Sussex and WW1 by local historian Chris Kempshall and dinner in The Hove Club afterwards.
Places must be reserved by Monday, November 12. Tickets cost £19.
To book a ticket, email: ann.dieckmann0@googlemail.com or call 07796 445 074.
Pictured: Members of Royal British Legion with Brighton & Hove Buses’ Heritage Bus in front of the South African War Memorial (which honours the men of the Royal Sussex Regiment who died in the Boer War).
