The plan was to include as much as possible in a single day, and this aim was certainly well achieved! The group visited the Passchendaele Museum and its preserved trench system, Sanctuary Wood and trenches, Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial, St George’s Memorial Chapel (where a plaque dedicated to Hurst OJs killed during the war is located), Langemaarck German Cemetery, and—of course—a chocolate shop!
A key purpose of the trip was to bless that plaque dedicated to the OJs; an identical one of which is hung in the cricket pavilion at Hurst. This part of the trip was arranged by our OJs, some of whom joined the group for a memorial service.
Despite the many hours spent travelling, the pupils really enjoyed the trip. The highlights for them included walking through the trenches and, unsurprisingly, visiting the chocolate shop!
“ All pupils and staff found the trip to be incredibly rewarding and moving as well. We are already looking to run it again next year! ” Phil Jacques, Teacher of Geography, History, and REP
