It was standing room only for the remembrance service held at Tundergarth Church on 21st December. Around 150 people squeezed into the Kirk for the special service to mark the 37th anniversary of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103. The joint service, between Tundergarth Kirks Trust and Dryfesdale Lodge Visitors Centre, focused on a theme of ‘Looking back and acting forward’.
The service featured musical performances from the Lockerbie community choir, piper Callum Watson, and Emma Cloy. There were reflections from students on both sides of the Atlantic, with Lockerbie Academy students and Syracuse University scholars sharing poems, stories and memories.
A minute of silence at 7.03pm allowed people to take a moment for pause and reflection, tto remember the 259 people who lost their lives on board the Clipper Maid of the Seas, and the 11 residents killed on the ground in Lockerbie. A stunning and moving tribute featured 270 hand-crafted doves which were created by Lockerbie Academy students. Each one individually designed and unique, representing each of the victims.
David Wilson from Dryfesdale Lodge spoke of the importance of educating the next generation, and Tundergarth’s Kirsty Boardman spoke of her time as a scholar before performing an emotional rendition of ‘Caledonia’, helped along by the congregation, who spontaneously joined in the chorus.
The final performance featured the choir singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’, with those who had joined the service remotely all singing along, together with those in the kirk.
A spokesperson for TKT said: “We have been overwhelmed with the wealth of heartwarming messages we have received. This service was all about remembering and also looking forward- the warmth we felt in the church on Sunday was truly special. To have the whole church packed with locals was wonderful. With the Trust joining forces with the Lodge, Lockerbie Academy and Syracuse University, we have no doubt that the future of remembrance and education is in safe hands.”
Reflecting on the service, Lockerbie Academy Acting Depute Head Teacher, Kerry Currie, said: “This is Lockerbie. Warm, compassionate and together. Such a lovely night. Thank you to all involved in organising an evening filled with reflection and love.” Councillor Carolyne Wilson said: “On a sad day for many in our community, it was an uplifting and forward looking service. It was fantastic to hear from some of the students from Lockerbie Academy who visited in October and from Syracuse students themselves.”
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