Children lay handmade wreaths at remembrance service in school grounds

CHILDREN at a Henley school laid handmade wreaths for the fallen during a remembrance service on Friday.

The ceremony at Rupert House School in Bell Street was led by Fr Jeremy Tayler, rector of Henley and Remenham, with headteacher Nick Armitage and Woodcote amateur historian Mike Willoughby, who founded the Lest We Forget project to add the names of “forgotten” local servicemen to three new memorials.

Parents also attended, including retired captain Dylan Thomas who served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Armitage said: “It’s so important that the children learn of the sacrifice that has been made for their freedom.

“On Monday morning in assembly, Mr Thomas, one of our parents, spoke of his experiences in the military and the sacrifices that are being made today around the world in the name of peace.

“There are still conflicts taking place. On Monday afternoon, the year six children heard from Alastair Bunkall, Middle East correspondent for Sky News, about the conflict in Israel and Gaza. And so today we remember all of those people who are suffering through conflict.”

Readings were given by year 6 students, who explained the significance of Armistice Day, which marks the end of the Great War.

Head boy Zachary Fernandes said: “The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marked the signing of the armistice.

“The guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare.

“The simple act of wearing a poppy recognises the special role of the armed forces community and it is a symbol of hope, peace and freedom.” Head girl Tekle Cazier explained the significance of the two-minute silence.

She said: “We will have time to pause and be grateful for our own peace and freedom and to think about others who may not be as fortunate.”

Deputy headteacher Alice Fletcher read the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae.

Father Jeremy led the school in prayer.

He said: “Oh God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.”

The congregation then recited the Lord’s Prayer.

The Last Post was sounded on the trumpet by George Lamb. Students Ottilie Lamb (year one) and Isaac Hampson (year six) played Abide With Me.

The school’s chamber choir sang Remember by Emily Barden before the pupils laid the poppy wreaths they had made in the school’s “Garden of Remembrance”.

Each year group made their own wreath. The first wreath was laid by Zachary and Tekle alongside reception pupil Rosalie Chamberayne.

Mr Willoughby, who was dressed as a First World War soldier from the Rifles regiment, said: “I visit the school on request and bring my artefact collection, my uniform, medals and rifles.

“I talk to them about ‘Tommy’, what he ate and generally about his daily life.”

Mr Armitage said: “Year six will be hearing from Mr Willoughby next term. They’ll see some of the items that were used and have the opportunity to try on some of the uniforms. It’s so important that they have an understanding of that sacrifice.”

On Sunday Mr Armitage and the head pupils laid a wreath on behalf of the Rupert House community on the steps of the town hall at the remembrance service.