Concert of war-time favourites and lighting of beacon at Monken Hadley commemorate D-Day anniversary

Monken Hadley Church was one of 800 locations across the country where beacons were lit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

After a concert of war-time songs and tunes — and the official reading of the International Tribute – a lamp was winched to the top of the church tower to set the beacon alight.

The church was packed for the concert. Crowds lined the road outside to see the ceremonial lighting. Monken Hadley had been closed to through traffic for the ceremony.

A repertoire of much-loved numbers which captured the spirit and companionship of life during World War II was performed by (from left to right) Angela Henckel, soprano; Sarah Roth, soprano; Charles Morris, baritone; and Martyn Noble, organ and piano.

At the conclusion of the concert and a ceremony to light the lamp, it was escorted out of the church ready for the lighting of the beacon.

Prayers were led by the Reverend Adele Burgess. The International Tribute was then read by the King’s representative, Martin Russell, the representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Barnet.

Councillor Tony Vourou, the new Mayor of Barnet, and High Barnet councillor Emma Whysall, were among those who attended.

Once the ceremony had been completed the lamp was winched to the top of the tower for the lighting of the beacon – to the delight of the assembled crowd.

All proceeds from the concert were in aid of the restoration of Church House.