Ep 391 – Birmingham Pub Bombing Commemoration and Lost Chord UK Charity

In Part 1… We attend the 50^th memorial service for the Birmingham pub Bombings.

In 1974, two bombs exploded in central Birmingham killing 21 and injuring 182 others. Six Irishmen were arrested within hours, serving 16 years in prison before their convictions were overturned, this being seen as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British legal history.

Nobody has since been charged with this deadly act of terrorism.

Birmingham at the time had an Irish population of around 100,000 and this community was ostracised from public places and subjected to physical assaults.

The annual memorial services pay tribute to those that died and contribute towards the healing process.

Attended by Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh and Martin Fraser, Ambassador of Ireland to the UK, the service demonstrates the massive change in the Anglo-Irish relationship since the 1970s.

The event is organised by the Birmingham Irish Association and we talk to Morris Malone, their CEO, about the importance of the service.

In Part 2… We’re in Rotherham with the team behind the Lost Chord UK charity. They support mental health and quality of life for people living with dementia and other neurological conditions, through the power of interactive music sessions.

Led by professional musicians and supported by volunteers, Lost Chord UK brings a ray of sunshine into the lives of those affected by dementia and related conditions.

Lots of great music to get you into the Christmas Spirit.

For more information…

Birmingham Irish Association… www.birish.org.uk

Lost Chord UK… lost-chord.org.uk

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