With the 1914-1918 commemorations getting close, I wanted to find another war poem to set for Choir. They Shall Grow Not Old is one of the most famous, being recited by every war memorial on every Remembrance Day. I will NEVER forget the powerful images of the Albert Hall service when all the service personnel stood motionless as the clouds of thousands of poppies rained down - such an indelible image for anyone, especially a young boy such as me.

More than one choir has sung this piece but the most memorable would be at Christ Church, Cheltenham, home church of the 10th Gloucester Batallion. The image in the right is the Batallion’s battlefield cross to commemorate all those who died in the battle for High Wood in 1916. For more information click on the cross.