On one of the most solemn days in the Nation’s year, we remember those who have fallen in conflict and continue to pray for those on active service at this time.
Ahead of Armistice Day, the whole College gathered in the Skipwith Courtyard on Friday 10 November for a short Act of Remembrance, led by the College Chaplain, Revd Dr Baker. This year, staff and pupils created a field of clay poppies which served as a backdrop to the service. The poppy has been a symbol of remembrance and hope since the First World War, when this flower was seen growing on the battle-scarred landscape of France. This is famously recorded in the poem by Lieutenant John McCrae, who wrote In Flander’s Field following the death of his friend at Ypres.
With Year 11 pupil Elliot Jones playing The Last Post, the College observed a two-minute silence which was followed by a wreath being laid on the brass memorial to the Honourable Captain Anthony Phillimore in the Parish Church.
Then, on Sunday 12 November, parents, pupils and staff gathered in the Great Hall for our traditional Service of Remembrance. This was also led by Revd Dr Baker and included readings and prayers from the Headmaster, Mr Howe, and from Head and Deputy Head Chapel Warden Lara Vahlé and Johannes Meiswinkel.
At the start of the service, the College banner and CCF wreath were brought to the altar by representatives of the College CCF, while the College wreath was carried by Joint Heads of College Abi Botterill and Tom Lebeau.
In An Act of Remembrance, everyone stood as the names of those recorded on the First and Second World War memorial boards in the Parish Church, together with others who have fallen in conflict whom we had been asked to remember by name. With the Headmaster leading the congregation in Remembering, all observed a poignant two-minute silence in between the playing of The Last Post and the Reveille both of which were once again played by Elliot Jones.
The College Camerata was in fine voice for the occasion and, led by Mrs Rapple Moore, sang For the Fallen by Douglas Guest CVO and Ave Verum Corpus by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
At the end of the service, the College banner, CCF wreath, and College wreath were carried out of the hall before a group from the College gathered with other members of the Shiplake Community at Shiplake War Memorial for a short Act of Remembrance. There, the College wreath was placed by our Heads of College and Head Chapel Wardens, while the CCF wreath placed down by Thomas Lane.
The College is grateful to the hard work and dedication of Mr Curran, Mrs Rapple Moore and Camerata, Mr Jones and the College Wind Ensemble, Elliot Jones for playing the Last Post and Reveille, Mr Elliott, Prefects and Chapel Wardens for all their hard work in putting together the two services. A thank you must also go to Revd Dr Baker for leading the services.
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