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STV News
11-06-2025
- General
- STV News
Service remembering 1,500 children and adults in 'pauper's grave' held
A service to remember nearly 1,500 children and adults buried in what was once called a 'pauper's grave' has been held at a Larbert cemetery. A small crowd braved torrential rain to attend the service on Saturday, which was organised in a personal capacity by Falkirk councillor Billy Buchanan, who had been shocked to discover that nearly 1,500 people are buried at the site with nothing to mark their graves. Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank helped unveil a large panel with information about the grassy area beside a simple Celtic cross to remember the 1,466 children and adults buried there because they did not have the means to pay for a burial. Those interred on the common ground between 1902 and 1980 include a substantial number of children and adults who passed away while resident at either the Royal Scottish National Hospital (RSNH) or Bellsdyke, the hospital for mentally ill people. LDRS Ballie Billy Buchanan organised the service to mark the site. LDRS The location of the residents from RSNH and Bellsdyke who were buried before 1902 is not recorded. Dave McQueen joined Stainbank in unveiling the board, whom Baillie Buchanan thanked for being 'a wonderful benefactor'. Mr McQueen and piper Kevin McLean formed 'a coalition group' with Baillie Buchanan to pledge that those buried in the common ground there would be 'forgotten no more'. Baillie Buchanan said: 'We have done a wonderful thing today in remember 1466 individuals that have been lying in this area here.' LDRS Piper Kevin McLean joined the service. LDRS The Strathcarron Singers performed three hymns, including Abide With Me, while piper Kevin McLean led a short procession to the memorial, then played a lament before a two-minute silence. Prayers were led by the Reverend Andrew Moore, who also gave a blessing and flowers were placed beside the Celtic Cross. Baillie Buchanan particularly thanked Ian Edwards of Falkirk Council, who researched the details of the common ground, including the names of those interred. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Falkirk cemetery memorial marks almost 1500 people given 'paupers' burial'
MP Euan Stainbank and Strathcarron singers were among those who attended the ceremony A service to remember nearly 1500 children and adults buried in what was once called a 'paupers' grave' was held on Saturday in Larbert cemetery. A small crowd braved torrential rain to attend the service which was organised in a personal capacity by Falkirk councillor Billy Buchanan, who had been shocked to discover so many people buried in the site with nothing to mark their graves. Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank helped to unveil a large panel with information about the large grassy area, beside a simple Celtic cross to remember the 1466 children and adults buried there because they did not have the means to pay for a burial. Those interred on the common ground between 1902 and 1980, include a substantial number of children and adults who passed away while resident at either the Royal Scottish National Hospital (RSNH) or Bellsdyke, the hospital for mentally ill people. Where residents from RSNH and Bellsdyke were buried before 1902 is not recorded. Joining Mr Stainbank in unveiling the board was Dave McQueen, who Baillie Buchanan thanked for being "a wonderful benefactor". Mr McQueen, along with piper Kevin McLean, formed "a coalition group" with Baillie Buchanan to pledge that those buried in the common ground there would be "forgotten no more". Baillie Buchanan said: "We have done a wonderful thing today in remember 1466 individuals that have been lying in this area here." The Strathcarron Singers performed three hymns, including Abide With Me, while piper Kevin McLean led a short procession to the memorial then played a lament before a two-minute silence. Prayers were led by the Reverend Andrew Moore, who also gave a blessing and flowers were placed beside the Celtic Cross. Baillie Buchanan particularly thanked Ian Edwards of Falkirk Council who researched the details of the common ground, including the names of those interred.
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
105-year-old Second World War airman given funeral family 'never dreamt of'
105-year-old Second World War airman given funeral family 'never dreamt of' Fred Jeacock has been described as reserved and someone who never liked being called a hero A piper leads the funeral cortege at Swansea Crematorium, Morriston (Image: Wales Online ) The funeral of a 105-year-old former RAF flight lieutenant from Swansea who flew 30 bombing missions in the Second World War was something to behold, said his son. Alan Jeacock was touched by the efforts made by Armed Forces groups to give his father, Fred, a dignified send-off at Swansea Crematorium, Morriston. A piper and standard bearers led the funeral cortege into the cemetery, there was a guard of honour, and a bugler played Last Post at the end of the service. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here Surrey-born Fred Jeacock enlisted in the RAF as a flight mechanic six months before the outbreak of war in 1939. Due to a long wait to start a flight mechanic course he trained as a barrage balloon operator - a role that brought him to Swansea in 1940. While living in a vacated school building in St Thomas he met the school janitor's granddaughter, Joan, who would later become his wife. Fred Jeacock makes his final journey (Image: John Myers ) Mr Jeacock left Swansea to do an engine mechanics course and signed up for air crew service. That led to a flight engineer course at St Athan, then training in Halifax and on Lancaster bombers. He was seconded to a Royal Canadian Air Force squadron after it suffered heavy losses and saw action as a flight engineer over the skies of Germany. He later recalled: "The worst time was just waiting by the aircraft for instructions to get in and get going." Article continues below A young Fred Jeacock (bottom left) (Image: courtesy of Alan Jeacock ) Mr Jeacock's funeral took place on June 3 and was officiated by the Reverend Canon Hugh Lervy, of All Saints Church, Mumbles. The hymn, Abide With Me, was sung, and a eulogy was read Mr Jeacock's grandson, Stephen. "It was excellent," said Alan of the eulogy. "He (Stephen) had been talking to my father a lot over the last 12 months or so. My father was coming out with stories, and telling him about his youth." Family and friends gathered afterwards at Swansea Dockers Sports and Social Club, St Thomas. His dedication to his country was acknowledged (Image: Wales Online ) Alan said he was grateful to the City of Swansea RAF Association, the Royal British Legion and Swansea Council's armed forces champion, Cllr Wendy Lewis, for their support. Describing the funeral, Alan, of Manselton, said he couldn't have wished for better. "It was something to be seen," he said. "I never dreamt it would be like that." After the war, Mr Jeacock settled into civilian life. He worked in a number of jobs before being employed as a cable inspector for Aluminium Wire and Cable Company, Port Tennant. He liked working on cars and was, said Alan, a "marvellous" dad. Fred Jeacock pictured with Swansea councillor Wendy Lewis Mr Jeacock, who enjoyed the annual Wales Airshow, Swansea, died on April 23. Those attending the funeral included his youngest brother, Ron, aged 98, and his family, and RAF Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Rob Woods. Article continues below Speaking last month, Cllr Lewis said she would remember Mr Jeacock fondly. "Fred was a reserved Englishman and he never liked being called a hero, last year at the air show he couldn't understand why everyone wanted to meet him," she said.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Karnataka Police Bandmaster's journey of persistence
Anthony Sober Karnataka Police Karnataka State Police Karnataka Police Brass Band This medal is not just for me, it's for every early morning rehearsal, every late-night duty, every note played in the name of service – Anthony Sober, Bandmaster of the Karnataka State Police Band Chief Minister's Medal In the uniformed world of the, where duty often overshadows individual stories, the life of Anthony Sober A is one such story that stands out, a journey not just of discipline and service, but of passion, transformation, and on June 1, 1967, Anthony Sober joined the City Armed Reserve Police Headquarters in Bengaluru on September 6, 1991, through the sports quota. A talented footballer, he quickly became a star player for the Karnataka State Police Football Team, representing the force from 1992 to 1995 in South Zone and All India tournaments. His performances brought home trophies, certificates, and pride for the department. But it was in 1998 that his journey took a turn, one that would shape the rest of his a deep curiosity for music, Sober joined theas a bugler. What began as a side interest soon became a calling. In just a short span, he mastered the bugle and then moved on to the trumpet, becoming known for his sharp technique and heartfelt performances. 'Music gave me a different kind of discipline,' he Republic Day and Independence Day parades to the grand celebrations of Mysuru Dasara, Sober's trumpet has echoed across ceremonial grounds, touching hearts with soulful renditions like 'Abide With Me'. His dedication to detail made him the preferred choice for high-profile events, including those at the Raj Bhavan, where he performed for top dignitaries, including former Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj, who personally appreciated his addition to his musical duties, Sober served in critical assignments, from VIP escorts to prisoner and cash duties, often during high-alert deployments. His sincerity, sharp turnout, and composed presence made him a dependable face in every at 59, Anthony Sober serves as the Bandmaster of the Karnataka State Police Band, a role that reflects his years of quiet commitment and musical mastery. Still playing the bugle and trumpet with the same passion that began over two decades ago, he also mentors young band members, keeping tradition April 2, 2025, his extraordinary journey was formally recognised with the, awarded for his exceptional contribution to the force. 'This medal is not just for me, it's for every early morning rehearsal, every late-night duty, every note played in the name of service,' he life today is a harmony of sportsmanship, discipline, and soulful music, a reminder that behind every shining medal lies a rhythm of struggle, growth, and heart.
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The FA Cup final, an occasion full of historic traditions and unusual quirks
This season's FA Cup campaign concludes on Saturday when Manchester City take on Crystal Palace in the final at Wembley. There will be no celebrities having a pre-match kickabout, at least one of the teams might be wearing jeans and the King is unlikely to hand over the trophy. But there will be a pre-match hymn, royalty will play a role, at least one side will be suited and booted and, at the end of the game, both sets of players will climb a flight of stairs to receive medals. Advertisement It is all part of the quirky, showpiece occasion which was first held at the Kennington Oval in 1872 and has been staged at Wembley — with a few exceptions — for more than a century. 'The FA Cup stretches back to the 1870s as a Victorian event, then it became more of a social event for ex-public school teams, and by the First World War it had become a mass, popular event at the Crystal Palace but it was still quite informal,' says Dr Alexander Jackson, curator at the National Football Museum. 'It changed when it went to Wembley in 1923.' In the past 102 years, traditions and rituals have become as big a part of FA Cup final day as the football. Here are just a few… A hymn written by a dying Anglican cleric in the 1800s might not scream 'pre-match razzmatazz', but the pre-kick-off rendition of Abide With Me has become a staple of the build-up to FA Cup finals. It was not always the case. The traditional song dropped out of the cup-final routine in the 1970s and 80s as fan culture evolved and it was considered outdated. But this century it has been reintroduced with a modern twist, often performed by operatic singers around 15 minutes before kick-off. The tradition began almost 100 years ago as part of a bigger push for 'community singing'. In his book, The Cup: A Pictorial Celebration of the World's Greatest Football Tournament, the author and journalist Richard Whitehead wrote: 'It was first sung in 1927 before the Arsenal-Cardiff City final. Some accounts suggest that it was introduced at the initiative of TP (Thomas) Ratcliff, who conducted the pre-match community singing. 'Other versions claim FA secretary Frederick Wall wrote to Buckingham Palace to ask what King George V might like to hear. He replied that 'Abide With Me' was a favourite of his and Queen Mary. 'In the post-war cup finals in particular, there was a fervour in the rendering of the hymn which made it an occasion in itself,' wrote Wall's successor Stanley Rous. 'Even so, Rous decided to drop it in 1959 but the decision was met with howls of protest and he had to backtrack.' After Abide with Me has been sung and the teams have walked onto the pitch, Wembley will reverberate to fans from both sides singing God Save the King, the national anthem and a reminder of the historic links between the FA Cup final and Britain's Royal family. The ties were not so close from the beginning. 'King George V was the first monarch to attend the FA Cup final, in 1914, and it was dubbed 'the Royal cup final',' says Dr Jackson. Advertisement 'Through the 1900s, we started to see Royals attend other football matches and I think the Prince of Wales went to either an FA Cup final or an England international. 'George V himself went to an Army vs Navy game in his role as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. 'He was encouraged to go to the 1914 cup final by a friend and a confidant, Lord Derby, who was an aristocrat with quite a skill for understanding how to popularise and keep the monarchy in the public eye in a positive way. 'From the 1870s until 1913, it was aristocrats or members of the FA who were the guests of honour. 'From 1914 until the 1970s, it was predominantly the monarch who was guest of honour and who presented the trophy with a few exceptions, such as when the monarch was overseas or ill. For instance, in 1952, the cup was presented to Newcastle United by Sir Winston Churchill.' In more recent times, William, Prince of Wales, a fan of Aston Villa and the Football Association president, has become a cup final regular. In the more homogenised world of 21st-century football, pre-match entertainment at a cup final might feel very similar to the high-profile fixtures of the Premier League. In the past, though, it was very different. In the 1980s — often regarded as one of the golden eras of the cup final — while standard league games often passed with almost no additional entertainment, cup-final day at Wembley was different. On the pitch before the main match, teams of fans of celebrities sometimes played out their own contest, and from 1971 to 1977 supporters from the competing teams took part in a special edition of the BBC show It's a Knockout. It all began in the 1920s with the more traditional ritual of community singing. 'They had this repertoire of different songs which culminated in Abide With Me,' Dr Jackson says. Advertisement 'This was the inter-war period and there were concerns about social cohesion in terms of communism and socialism and the depression years were coming, with the economic impact on Britain. 'So community singing was an idea to try to bring people together and they started off by using a lot of old wartime songs, trying to hark back to that togetherness of the war years. 'They handed out song sheets, there were conductors and they had bands and some of them were picked up on early radio broadcasts with the idea being that people at home could get involved.' One of this year's finalists, Manchester City, caused something of a stir in the past two seasons when they arrived at Wembley in casual clothing — trousers and branded cup-final T-shirts in 2023, jeans and club polo shirts a year later. Last year's winners, Manchester United, by contrast, arrived at the stadium in tailored Paul Smith suits, upholding a tradition dating back many years that teams who reach the final get measured up in advance for matching, smart attire. It is a tradition that Crystal Palace will stick with this weekend with the manager, Oliver Glasner, also confirming that he will swap his customary casual garb for a suit at Wembley. A post shared by APSLEY | BESPOKE LONDON TAILOR (@apsleybespoke) 'Into the 1950s, players would have been turning up in suits automatically for all games and the club blazer would have been standard dress, reflecting wider society,' says Dr Jackson. 'That's what men wore — trousers, a jacket, a shirt and a tie. Men's casual wear hadn't really developed massively. 'By the 60s and 70s, men's fashion was changing, becoming more casual, but to a certain degree, once you start having more TV coverage, making sure everyone was well dressed was probably about clubs starting to think about their image from a media point of view. 'And then players wearing their suits, walking around the pitch before the game, then going back inside and getting changed into their match kit became part of the ritual of the FA Cup final.' It does not always go well, however. In 1996, Liverpool turned up in cream Armani suits, were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United, and were forever tarnished, probably unfairly, by a suggestion that they took fashion more seriously than football. Most cup finals now end with players receiving the trophy on the pitch, usually on a specially-erected podium that allows perfect branding opportunities. But in the FA Cup, dragging weary limbs up the steps to the Royal Box to collect medals and silverware has become a staple part of the day. That changed from 2001 to 2006 when, with Wembley being redeveloped, the final moved to Cardiff, where the then Millennium Stadium did not allow for a walk through the stands and up to the second tier. Advertisement But at Wembley, the tradition is upheld. It is not unique — Copa del Rey winners Barcelona and runners-up Real Madrid climbed the steps at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville last month — and other finals played at Wembley, including the Carabao Cup and the EFL play-offs, have followed the same pattern. But it is unusual. 'You can see footage from 1914, when Tommy Boyle of Burnley becomes the first man to be presented with the cup by a reigning monarch, and he goes up to the VIP area where the King and the dignitaries are,' says Dr Jackson. 'So we know it was the same at the Crystal Palace. 'I think the idea was that the players rose up to them as opposed to bringing the VIPs down to ground level. 'And in the 1900s, people would flock across the pitch at the end of the game, so there would be mini pitch invasions — of an orderly nature — where everyone would walk across the pitch to get closer and watch that presentation of the trophy to the players.'
