VARIOUS events took place across Warrington to mark Armistice Day, spanning the generations from day nurseries to care homes, schools and colleges and local businesses.
At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, their Remembrance Service was led by School Chaplain Mike Wildsmith and attended by some of the schools’ former student ‘Old Boys’, including former students who are currently serving in the forces and cadets. Some family members of students and staff who served in the forces also attended. Current students who are cadets wore their uniforms.
The first part of the service took place in the schools’ Peace Garden, which was decorated by the poppy cascade donated by St Barnabas CE Primary School, and flag from Bridgefoot cenotaph.
The service then continued in the school hall with performances from students, leading to a 2-minute silence at 11am. Teacher of MFL, Mrs Sarah Woolley, played the Last Post on her trumpet. The poppy dress which Head of Art Mrs Sam Joice created in 2017, made from over 900 individual poppies made by students across all year groups, again made an appearance being worn by Year 11 student Ella-Louise Tarry.
Special guests included Lieutenant Commander Adam Hughes, who left Boteler in 2003, is now a Marine Engineering Officer in the Navy. He said of the service: “It was great to come back and be in front of the students again. The service was very thought-provoking. I thought the singers were very good. It’s great to remember the roll of honour; those people who died who were part of Boteler as well during the wars.”
Martin Joice, husband of Head of Art Mrs Joice and father of Year 11 student Nic Joice, was a Royal Signals Engineer in the Army. He commented: “As an ex-serviceman with a child at the school I thoroughly enjoyed the Remembrance Service. It’s really important to reflect on conflicts past and present and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thanks to all the staff and especially the pupils who were all extremely respectful and sensitive.”
Daniel McGee, Royal Signals veteran and husband of Teacher of English Mrs McGee, said: “A very poignant service. It was fantastic to see how the students were involved and eager to listen and share in stories with the veterans afterward. It was a pleasure to attend and participate in remembering our fallen comrades.”
Headteacher Mrs Scott-Herron (pictured top) commented: “It was a very moving Service. As the Boteler Family, today was about remembering those who are with us and those who aren’t with us anymore. It is vital that our young people experience reflection within a service and understand the impact that war and conflicts have on society. The level of respect shown in the service and around school really does demonstrate our Christian values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance. To be able to come together and to remember and reflect t is very powerful.”
Meanwhile, Kids Planet Lymm was getting creative whilst learning about Remembrance Day. The children made poppies which they will be placing at the cross in Lymm village.
They have also been painting Remembrance Rocks. these will be placed on the Pathway of St Mary’s Church in preparation for the 10 am service on 14th November. They will then be gathered after the service and hidden locally to continue their journey via Lymm Rocks, an online group set up on Facebook in 2020, to share rocks found in the village. Anyone can decorate a rock, then hide it in a safe public place for someone else to find.
Meanwhile, residents at dementia care specialist, Belong Warrington, are pictured with their Remembrance display.
Gwen Mason and Gordon Lightfoot are pictured with the display.
Beautiful ceremony to honour our heroes. We will remember them.
Video credit: HNC Creative Media Production student, Connor Kinsman. #lestweforget #wewillrememberthem #rememberanceday. @warringtonnews @winsfordnews @BBCNWT @warringtonworld pic.twitter.com/TtTkriid6Y
— WVR College (@wvrcollege) November 11, 2021
This morning Green watch took place in a 2 minutes silence for armistice day “They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them” #lestweforget pic.twitter.com/psnm5cMTVk— Lymm Fire Station (@LymmFS) November 11, 2021
Thank you to @PriestleyPS who this morning led our #RemembranceDay service.
Big thank you also to our neighbours who joined us for the occasion. #Warrington pic.twitter.com/P6eVJh64Fh
— Priestley College (@priestleysfc) November 11, 2021
