On Thursday 11 November, RGS students and staff gathered on the playground – like so many generations before them – to reflect, to remember and to give thanks for the sacrifices made by so many people in conflicts over the years.

The sun shone over a calm playground as the whole school came together to commemorate this important event in our national calendar. Reverend Phil Jackson led the service, with readings by students Ethan E, Elliot D-G and Head Girl, Jasmine F. The CCF parade was led by CPO Esther W and the Drum Major was WO1 Noah Fenton.

All participants – readers, choir singers, musicians, wreath parties, CCF Corps of Drums and buglers performed so well and made the service both poignant and moving.

We were honoured to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Ashok Rao (RGS 1987-1995), a General Practitioner in the British Army, who read the Act of Remembrance:

Let us remember before God, and commend to his sure keeping, those who have died for their country in war; those whom we knew, and whose memory we treasure; and all who have lived and died in the service of others.
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, not the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

The solemn bugle call of The Last Post signalled the two-minute silence. Following Reveille, the Polyphony sang Abide With Me and the wreath-laying party departed.

Headmaster, Shaun Fenton concluded the service with a prayer.

Please watch the special recording of the event here.