Emotions will be running high when a choir from the Isle of Man travel to Belgium to take part in a moving ceremony of remembrance this weekend.

The Women’s Institute Choir, ’Mraane anys Arrane’, which means ’Women In Song’ in Manx Gaelic, will make the journey to the World War One battlefield cemetery in Ypres to sing at the traditional closing ceremony at the Menin Gate.

The thirty-strong choir are embarking on something of a tour, singing in three different locations over the weekend, culminating with the performance at the iconic memorial building.

They are to travel to the Belgian city of Bruge and, from there, will sing at the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk church, in Onze-de-Panne.

This will be followed by a performance in the majestic St Martins cathedral in the city of Ypres itself, before visiting the Menin Gate.

Karen Elliott, who leads the choir, said that the idea for the tour came about after the choir decided that they didn’t want the pressure of going off-island to compete in choir competitions.

’We decided to go a bit further afield to find gigs,’ said Karen.

’Instead of competitions, I suggested that we’ll go away on a kind of a holiday, and we could do some concerts together at the same time.’

After deciding on a trip to Bruge, they then received an offer to sing at the Last Post ceremony.

’We are making it a special occasion for the island. Jim Cottier, the standard bearer for the Manx branch of the Royal British Legion is coming, and Don Roworth, our accompanist, will lay a wreath on behalf of the WI and of the Isle of Man.

’They have a 20-minute ceremony held every evening to commemorate the dead of the fighting around Ypres.

’They play the Last Post and lay wreaths.

’We will then get up and sing Ellan Vannin.

’It will be a very moving occasion. I have had to drill into the ladies to control themselves and not to cry during the performance. When we sing Ellan Vannin, it is easy to get swept away as it is so emotional, with 30 voices singing in harmony.

’But to sing a song like that, unaccompanied, at such a place like the Menin Gate, after the last Post has been called, emotions can get the better of you and it could very easily become overwhelming.’

Karen said they are very grateful for the help they have received from different groups around the island, and she is especially touched by the help given by our fellow WI members.

’The Arts council have been very generous with their support, as have the Manx Lottery trust.

’But we have to give special thanks to the other WI groups around the island who have donated money and the Castletown WI, who have made these amazing crocheted red poppies for us to wear. It will definitely be an occasion to remember.’

by Mike Wade

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