About

Join the Queen's House for an afternoon of talks and live performances to mark Remembrance Day.

In partnership with Matglen International Consulting, you are invited to remember the Armed Forces and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, through a mix of personal narratives and performances.

The reality of war has many different facets. Keynote speaker Ally Musthan will share his personal experiences and explore remembrance from a place where we can all freely share our thoughts and perceptions. 

Programme: 

Remembrance: A Call to Mind
Time: 12 noon - 12:15pm 
Venue: Outside the Queen's House
The commemorations will begin with a Reveille from Bugle Major, Sergeant Jake Pugsley.
Keynote speaker Ally Musthan will give a short speech introducing the day and the events coming up. This will be followed by a two minute silence.

Dance Performance: A Celebratory Remembrance
Time: 12:25pm - 12:55pm 
Venue: Great Hall 
Watch a dance performance given by artist and educator Teal Darkenwald and students from Bird College.

Turning Point (Film Screening)
Time: 1:00pm - 3:45pm 
Venue: Van de Velde Studio
Come along to the Queen's House throughout the day to watch TURNING POINT, a film that highlights the experiences of individuals in Barbados and Jamaica after the First World War. 

Navy Talk with Naval Service Woman of the Year, Kay Hallsworth
Time: 1:00pm - 1:25pm 
Venue: Queen's Privy Chamber 
Kay Hallsworth worked for 28 years as a nurse and medical services officer within the Royal Navy and Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service. In 2020, she was named Naval Service Woman of the Year. 

She has lived with a life limiting chronic illness for most of her adult life. In her talk, she will reflect on her journey and the importance of resilience and compassion in her career. 

Reflections on a military career with Ally Musthan and Jason (Jay) French 
Time: 1:25pm - 1:35pm 
Venue: Queen's Privy Chamber
Join Ally Musthan and Jay French who will discuss their military careers and the complexities of transitioning from military to civilian life. They will also discuss the psychological effects of military service, and the discrimination that armed forces personnel face.
NOTE: This talk will cover topics including suicide and survivor's guilt.

In conversation: The Caribbean and the Second World War
Time: 2:00pm - 2:45pm 
Venue: Queen's Privy Chamber
Listen to author Colin Douglas and Dr Kesewa John, lecturer in Black British History at Goldsmiths, University of London, as they discuss Colin's latest book The Caribbean and the Second World War. 

The discussion will provide a longer historical context for the events of the Second World War and its impact on the region. Colin and Kesewa will map the ambivalent relationship between the Caribbean and its colonial rulers in war and peacetime, from labour unrest before and during the war to the persistence of the colour bar in the military. Their conversation will also focus on post-war Caribbean migration to Britain.

Bugle Call: History of the Bugle
Time: 2:45pm - 3:10pm
Venue: Queen's Bedchamber 
Join Bugle Major Jake Pugsley for a performance and talk on the instrument synonymous with the military.

A Mirror Has Two Faces 
Pre-performance Talk: 3:15pm - 3:25pm 
Venue: Queen's Closet
Performance: 3:30pm - 3:45pm 
Venue: Great Hall 
Bringing together dance and spoken word, this performance explores the hidden facets of service members' personalities. Until 2000, it was illegal to be gay and serve in the British military; however, the acceptance and support has evolved to become more inclusive.

A Mirror Has Two Faces will take place in the Queen's Closet and the Great Hall to demonstrate how remaining hidden in the closet can damage one's sense of self and identity. It will be performed by Thomas Paynter and Henry Paynter.