This week our three schools are commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It is important that our pupils learn about the sacrifice that the great wartime generation made for us all.
A group of Year 6 pupils from both primary schools attended a service at St Mary’s Church, led by the Arch Deacon and Mr Litten. Pupils placed a floral tribute beneath the 1939-1945 war memorial and paid tribute to the men who lost their lives during World War Two. Mr Williams , a former Royal Engineer, accompanied the children when the floral tribute was laid. The names of the 54 Whittlesey men who lost lives were read aloud by Mr Litten.
After the service, the children, accompanied by Mr Williams, Dr Laban and Mr Litten visited Whittlesey cemetery and laid floral tributes on the Commonwealth War Graves. Our act of respect and commemoration was photographed by Dr Laban and Mr Litten, the images were shared during a special VE Day assembly later the same day.
Back at school the pupils celebrated by dressing in red, white and blue and had fun outside with ice creams, while New Road school did maypole dancing and Park Lane held a concert.
At Sir Harry Smith Community College students had VE day assemblies throughout the week led by Head of History Mr Tomlin and their tutor times have been themed to commemorate our veterans. At 12pm on Thursday we held a uniformed service where students who belong to cadet forces participated in a parade and wreath laying ceremony. The reading was given by our Principal Miss White. Commanding the service was Lieutenant Ashworth, our Head of Maths, in his capacity as as Lieutenant (SCC) John Ashworth RNR. He said ‘It was a pleasure to stand alongside our students, who also serve with their respective cadet forces, to mark the VE Day 80th anniversary. They showed pride in their uniform and flew the flag proudly to represent their parent services.’
At lunchtime, a ‘Victory Tea Party’ was held in the library where students could bring their lunch, wave flags, and have a wartime singsong! It was lovely to see the students participate and request songs.
Later in the evening students from the college represented the school, the cadet forces and the Scouts, reading a tribute at the lighting of the Beacon on Whittlesey Manor Fields at 8pm. Mr Cullum, who accompanied the students in the reading, said ‘I was proud to represent the school and see our young people take part in such an important act of Remembrance, they were a credit to us and the other organisations they represented.’
As a college we are proud to play such a key role in commemorative events such as this, educating our students about the sacrifices made by previous generations so that they can enjoy a peaceful future. Lest We Forget.
