SIR Thomas Boteler Church of England High School held its special Remembrance Service attended by some of the school’s former student ‘Old Boys’, including those currently in the cadets and serving in the forces.
Current students who are cadets also wore their uniforms, and the service was also attended by the Cheshire Fire Service, who brought along a fire engine and a boat.
The first part of the service led by School Chaplain Mike Wildsmith took place in the school’s Peace Garden, which is decorated by a poppy cascade donated by St Barnabas CE Primary School, clay poppies made by students and Union Jack flag donated by Julie Francis from Bridgefoot cenotaph. The service then continued in the school hall with performances from students, leading to a 2 minute silence at 11am.
Year 10 student Hayley Ng 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 Amelia Davies. Amelia also sang a solo, ‘In Flanders Fields’.
Headteacher Mrs Scott-Herron 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.”
Bob Timmis, Secretary of the Boteler Old Boys, said “I thought the service was absolutely stunning. It was great to see the young people so involved. Bearing in mind that I was here when it was a grammar school; pupils did not have as much involvement in these things as they do now. And that is one empowering thing to see happening.”
Boteler Trustee Hans Mundry commented: “The service really demonstrates that we should always remember the people who have sacrificed their lives and their time to make sure that we have a better future.”
