Our school community paused as one today in remembrance of those lost in conflict around the world. 

Year 7 Students gathered in the Chapel before a procession of wreath bearers and 1804 Society flag bearers entered.   The Chapel ceremony was led using the same video resource that all students and staff were following simultaneously in various locations all over the school, which can be seen below.

The ceremonial procession then made its way into the Peace Garden for the laying of wreaths beneath the peace bell. The duty was conducted with great dignity by our student prefects representing each of our houses, by Air Cadet Corporal Ross representing our Sixth Form, and by Mrs Mannings representing our staff.

Following a week of bell tolling begun by Mr Alderman, the final part of today's ceremony was the 75th tolling of our peace bell, once for each year that has passed since the Normandy Landings of 1944. The bell was rung by Mrs Buckton whose Grandfather was dropped behind enemy lines just after midnight on 6th June as part of the operation to capture the strategically important Pegasus Bridge.  In an amazing co-incidence, Mrs Mannings' Father was involved in the very same, successful action that day, 75 years ago.   These connections very much brought home to us the importance of Remembrance.

Thank you to all of our staff and students for engaging with this important commemoration with such prayerful dignity.