Honouring the fallen

These ceremonies allow pupils, staff, and the members of the parent community to pause and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers and civilians alike, fostering a deep sense of respect, unity, and historical awareness. 

Today our Act of Remembrance began with a welcome from Mr Armitage. He highlighted the significance of Remembrance Day and its relevance to the school community. Placed in front of him were poppy wreaths which had been made by children from across the school, just as he and the Heads of School has placed a wreath on the steps of the Town Hall as part of the Town's Remembrance Service the day before.

Father Jeremy from St Mary's Church, Henley, lead the prayers, whilst pupils in Year 6 also gave readings, with Tilly L reciting the poem 'In Flanders Fields', By John McCrae.

At the heart of the ceremony was the two-minute silence which was observed at 11am. This was introduced by Mr Lamb who played The Last Post, a bugle call that symbolises the final farewell, on the trumpet. The silence was an opportunity for everyone present to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians and to consider the impact of war. 

Following the silence, Mr Lamb's daughter, Ottilie, played Abide with Me on her trumpet and the Chamber Choir sang 'A setting' by Niki Davies of the well-known poem 'In Flanders Fields' by the First World War Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.

The Head Pupils and youngest boy and girl then led the rest of the school to the Urn, where two pupils from each form laid the wreaths their classes had made.

The Act of Remembrance was concluded by Father Jeremy, who led the children, staff and parents with The Lord's Prayer.