Mandy Lawrence reflects upon 'The Last Night of the Proms'

I am delighted to be able to publish the following guest blog post by my friend Mandy Lawrence.

As one of those present at Hereford Quaker Meeting's Midweek Meetings for Worship in Summer and Autumn 2017 following my move from London — where I had spent more than half my 1953-born life since 1979 — Mandy was one of the first people who welcomed me to my new life in Hereford.

The ‘Last Night of the Proms’ Celebrations

BBC Last Night of the Proms

I understand why so many enjoy the traditional last night at the Proms. I have fond memories of my always well—meaning father, singing along with enthusiasm, if not harmony, to the radio.

However I find the controversial anthems troubling.

Not only because of Britain’s disquieting imperialistic past though this is important.

For myself, it is more concern at our morally failing present.

In what sense is Britain ‘ruling the waves’ when desperate migrants, including unaccompanied children, risk life in small dinghies to reach these shores and we fail to respond with compassion or competence? If Britons are ‘never to be slaves,’ why are there slaves today, trafficked and terrified, working in this country, in such sectors as car wash, catering, crop picking and many others? Slavery is not just a horror of the past, it is all around us now.

Seventeen desperate migrants risking their lives
on a small dinghy spotted off Dover

Like most counties, Britain has aspects of its history to celebrate and aspects of which we are ashamed.

I suggest that a true tribute to the past is reflection, and action to make our present a kinder, happier time.

And there are many other rousing songs to which my dad could have sung along!

MANDY LAWRENCE