The Annual Remembrance is prioritised by the School each year, and participation in the associated Services of Remembrance is something in which the pupils and staff take considerable pride, as we remember those who have fallen.

Our Annual Service of Remembrance for the whole School, with hymns, readings, prayers and music, took place on Friday 11 November.  During the Service our School Captain, Lewis, laid a wreath in memory of those from the School who gave their lives in both World Wars and in other conflicts.  A guard of honour was formed by our CCF cadets who supported our service, during which the Standards were dipped for a minute’s silence.  

Our CCF also provided their annual support to three local Primary Schools (Edwards Hall Primary School, Hamstel Junior School and Hamstel Infant School) at their respective Remembrance Services, to provide similar ceremonial duties and readings for the younger pupils.

On Sunday 13 November, our CCF participated in Southend’s Annual Remembrance Service, parading around 100 cadets at the Cenotaph in Southend. At the City’s Annual Service, wreaths were laid by our School Captain, and by Mr Birdseye, President of the OWA. We were also pleased to be joined at the Cenotaph by many former pupils and cadets from the School.  

Immediately following this event, cadets made their way to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome to participate in the guard of honour at its Remembrance Service.  

The CCF also supported the Orpheus Singers’ annual charity Concert of Remembrance for the Royal British Legion, providing ushering services for the event which was held at the Plaza in Southend on Saturday 12 November.

We commend and thank the pupils for their respectful participation in these events, and are so proud of the hard work of the staff, cadets and other pupils in planning and organising these arrangements.  With particular thanks to Mr Bleakley (Contingent Commander), Mr Sell (Senior Staff Instructor) and all the CCF staff for their superb coordination and planning in relation to these various events.

The School Service

 

The CCF contingent at the Southend Remembrance Parade

 

Headmaster and School Captain, Lewis Seal

 

OWA President, Terry Birdseye

 

Major Bleakley, Contingent Commander and Colour Seargent Sell, School Staff Instructor.