On Friday 11 November, we welcomed members of our Reigatian community back to school to join the Service of Remembrance.

RGS students, staff and guests 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.

Reverend Phil Jackson led the service, with readings by students Tilly A and Head Boy, James C. The CCF parade was led by Flight Sergeant Thomas L and the Drum Major was Hannah S.

We were honoured to welcome Flight Lieutenant James Harris (RGS 1978-1984), Officer Commanding 9 Air Experience Flight at RAF Leeming, 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 bugle call of The Last Post signalled the two-minute silence. Following Reveille, the Polyphony sang Abide With Me and the wreath-laying party, including Head Girl Neyha K and Colour Sergeant Electra M (Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Surrey), departed for the memorial.

Our guests then joined the Headmaster, Reverend Phil Jackson and Fl. Lt. James Harris for a special service in the school Memorial Garden.

You can view some more photographs of the day here.