On Friday 11 November, the whole College marked Remembrance Day remembering those who lost and gave their lives in conflicts past and present. Our commemorations focused on the 197 former pupils and teachers from Hurstpierpoint College who died during the First World War (112), the Second World War (75) and more recent conflicts (10).
Pupils in Y3-Shell gathered in Chapel at 8.45am for their service, in which 197 poppies were laid on the altar to represent each of the fallen. After the Last Post, two minutes silence were kept, and the Chamber Choir sung Peter Irving’s piece ‘For the Fallen’. The prayers were led by the Year 6 Guardians and the Senior Prep School Head Boy and Head Girl laid a wreath, together with the Heads of the Junior and Senior Prep School.
At 10.40am, Remove-UVI pupils gathered for their Remembrance service, in which the Head of College read out the names of the 197 boys and men who lost their lives. At each name, a member of the UVI or staff stood up, which poignantly shows how many people died during those years. The sermon was preached by Mike Goody, former RAF and Regiment Gunner and one of the organisers of the first Invictus Games. He spoke movingly about how his life has been changed due to his injuries and finished by reminding us that there are still many people who ‘sign their name on the dotted line to stand in the way of evil’ each day. Wreaths were laid by the Head of College, the CCF Contingent Commander and the Head Boy and Head Girl.
On Remembrance Sunday pupils of the CCF and staff members joined the Remembrance parade and service, which concluded our Remembrance observance this year.
