Remembrance Day 2023

13 November 2023 | ,

In a poignant display of respect and gratitude, students from across the Trust recently came together to commemorate Remembrance Day. On Friday the 9th and over the weekend, students and communities paid tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. As the echoes of history reverberated through the school corridors, these young minds took it upon themselves to honour the heroes of the past in meaningful and heartfelt ways.

Lydford Primary School

Children at Lydford made a felt wreath this week in forest school and remembered the lives of those members of our community who gave their lives in the two world wars.

In St Petroc’s church, there are 3 Commonwealth War Graves which the children learned about.

Petty Officer Stoker George Metters, served at HMS Vivid, died 18th March 1918, aged 46.

Private Frank Wilfred Fry of Church Cottage, Lydford, served in the Duke of Cornwall’s light infantry, died 24th March 1918, aged just 18.

Private Sylvia Evalina Mary Bickle from Lydford, served in the Auxiliary Territorial Army, died 11th September 1947, aged just 19.

Bridestowe Primary School

The students from Bridestowe went across to St Bridget’s Church and read poems and sang a remembrance song. Parent Kirstie Floyd-Walker kindly played the Last Post.

Tavistock College

Tavistock Cadets headed to the local church for the remembrance service. Year 9 students were also in support.

At the college all students and staff observed the minute silence to reflect and recognise the end of the First World War in 1918 to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

Okehampton College

One of the college’s students played The Last Post on our tannoy on Friday 9th November.

The focus was the so-called “Forgotten War”, the Korean War 1950-53 where 81,000 British soldiers served, 1100 died and over 2500 injured.

Please take a momene to read the below poem by John Bailey

Taking a Stand

I ask you to stand with me

For both the injured and the lost

I ask you to keep count with me

Of all the wars and what they cost

I ask you to be silent with me

Quietly grateful for our lot

As I expect you’re as thankful as me

For the health and life we’ve got

I ask that you wish them well with me

All those still risking their all

And I ask that you remember with me

The names of those that fall

I expect that you are proud like me

Of this great nation of ours too

So enjoying all its freedoms like me

Support those upholding them for you

I hope that you are hopeful like me

That we’ll soon bring an end to wars

So you’ll have to stand no more with me

And mourning families no different from yours

‘Til then be thankful you can stand with me

Thinking of those who now cannot

For standing here today with me

At least we show they’re not forgot