An 8-minute piece in four movements with secular texts from Tina MacNaughton and the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage. My poem 'Just Seventeen' formed part of this wonderful commissioned piece; 'Portsmouth: Stone, Sand and Song'. composed by Paul Saggers, of the Royal Marines School of Music. Simon Armitage's poem 'The Theatre of the Sea' is etched into the new sea wall in Southsea. 'Just Seventeen' tells the story of my Great Uncle Sidney Rex, a war hero, who was killed whilst serving in the Royal Navy on the 'HMS Glow Worm' in World War TwoHis namecan be found on the Southsea Common Memorial...'First Class Stoker, sir!' At just seventeen, Sidney died for his country in the name of justice and freedom. My poem honours him, and all those men and women whose lives were tragically shortened, and serves as a reminder of the importance of establishing and maintaining peace. Thank you to Paul Saggers for choosing my poem and for turning it into something beautiful' Thank you also to the wonderful singers, musicians and conductors involved. It was a memorable celebration of the Portsmouth's centenary year.
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