Today we held our Remembrance Service. The service was led by School Chaplain Mike Wildsmith and attended by some of our former student ‘Old Boys’, including former students who are currently serving in the forces and cadets. Some family members of students and staff who served in the forces also attended. Current students who are cadets wore their uniforms with pride.
The first part of the service took place in the schools’ Peace Garden, which has been decorated by the poppy cascade kindly donated by St Barnabas CE Primary School, and flag from Bridgefoot cenotaph. The service then continued in the school hall with moving and powerful performances from students, leading to a 2 minute silence at 11am. Teacher of MFL, Mrs Sarah Woolley, played the Last Post on her trumpet. The poppy dress which Head of Art Mrs Sam Joice created in 2017, made from over 900 individual poppies made by students across all year groups, again made an appearance being worn by Year 11 student Ella-Louise Tarry.
Lieutenant Commander Adam Hughes, who left Boteler in 2003, is now a Marine Engineering Officer in the Navy. He said of the service: “It was great to come back and be in front of the students again. The service was very thought provoking. I thought the singers were very good. It’s great to remember the roll of honour; those people who died who were part of Boteler as well during the wars.”
Martin Joice, husband of Head of Art Mrs Joice and father of Year 11 student Nic Joice, was a Royal Signals Engineer in the Army. He commented: “As an ex-serviceman with a child at the school I thoroughly enjoyed the Remembrance Service. It’s really important to reflect on conflicts past and present and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thanks to all the staff and especially the pupils who were all extremely respectful and sensitive.”
Daniel McGee, Royal Signals veteran and husband of Teacher of English Mrs McGee, said: “A very poignant service. It was fantastic to see how the students were involved and eager to listen and share in stories with the veterans afterward. It was a pleasure to attend and participate in remembering our fallen comrades.”
Headteacher Mrs Scott-Herron commented: “It was a very moving Service. As the Boteler Family, today was about remembering those who are with us and those who aren’t with us anymore. It is vital that our young people experience reflection within a service and understand the impact that war and conflicts have on society. The level of respect shown in the service and around school really does demonstrate our Christian values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance. To be able to come together and to remember and reflect is very powerful.”
The School Chaplain, Mike Wildmith said: “I thought it was brilliant how the children were involved; the singing, the readings. It is a really poignant time, it is an important time that we think and reflect about what’s been secured for us, not only for our nation but for us as individuals. I think that’s key, and something we must continue to remember. Even though history has moved on to some extent, it is important that we keep remembering.”