On one of the most solemn days in the national calendar, we pause to honour those who gave their lives in conflict and continue to hold in our thoughts those serving today.
On Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November, the entire College gathered in the Skipwith Courtyard for a short Act of Remembrance, led by our College Chaplain, Revd Medlicott. Continuing a cherished tradition, the Art Department worked with our art scholars, pupils, and Rev to create a Poppy waterfall cascading down the front of Skipwith building. The poppy remains a powerful symbol of remembrance and hope, first seen blooming on the battle-scarred fields of France during the First World War: a moment immortalised in Lieutenant John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields.
As Year 12 pupil Elliot Jones played The Last Post, the College observed a two-minute silence before the Rev, Headmaster, Head Chapel Wardens, and Joint Heads of College proceeded to the Parish Church to lay a wreath on the brass memorial to The Honourable Captain Anthony Phillimore.
On Remembrance Sunday, 9 November, parents, pupils, and staff gathered in the Great Hall for our traditional Service of Remembrance, once again led by Revd Medlicott. The service included readings and prayers from the Headmaster, Mr Howe, and pupils.
During the Act of Remembrance, the congregation stood as the names inscribed on the First and Second World War memorial boards in the Parish Church were read aloud, along with others we had been asked to remember. Led by the Headmaster, all observed a poignant two-minute silence between the playing of The Last Post and Reveille, both performed once again by Elliot Jones.
The service concluded with the College banner, CCF wreath, and College wreath being carried out of the hall. A group from the College then joined the wider Shiplake community at the Shiplake War Memorial for a short Act of Remembrance, where a wreath was laid down by Year 12 pupil Oscar Tooley.
The College is grateful to the hard work and dedication of Mrs Louise Rapple Moore and Camerata, Mr Paul Jones and the College Wind Ensemble, Mrs Amy Haynes for playing the piano, and to Mr Jasper Elliott, Prefects and Chapel Wardens. For Contingent Commander Seargeant Fiddy, and all the members of the CCF for their help and support. Mrs Keli Jiggens and all the staff in the Art Department, and art scholars for producing the stream of poppies outside Skipwith building.
A special mention and thank you must also go to Year 13 pupil, Elliot Jones, who has played The Last Post and Reveille every year since 2020 when Elliot was in Year 8! Each year he has only gotten better and better and we are truly grateful to have such a talented musician play this poignant piece of music.
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