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CCF Contingent Commander Squadron Leader Pearson and Reverend Brandon opened the service at the Elstree School
16 November 2021 – Hertfordshire – Local independent school in Elstree, Habs Boys, held its Annual Act of Remembrance and Parade on the croquet lawn at Aldenham House in the school’s grounds, in memory of all who gave their lives in the service of this country. In commemoration of Remembrance Day 2021, the school has also installed a meadow of ceramic poppies, which have been individually created by each pupil and displayed on the school’s Quad.
In the lead up to Remembrance Day, every pupil has made a ceramic poppy as a contribution to the ambitious Remembrance Day poppy installation, which involved the glazing of 1,200 bisque-fired poppies. Each poppy sits on top of a wooden rod that is fixed into the ground, creating a vast meadow display.
Headmaster Gus Lock spoke about the poppy installation, “Many people choose to wear a poppy to commemorate those who lost their lives in war as a symbol of memory, reflection and hope for a peaceful future. In addition to wearing a poppy, this year, we decided to commemorate Remembrance Day 2021 with a special meadow of ceramic poppies.”
Habs Boys also remembered Old Haberdashers’ and staff who lost their lives in service. Current CCF students stood to attention while CCF Contingent Commander Squadron Leader Pearson and Reverend Brandon began the service. Students from the Navy, Army and RAF read the names of Old Haberdashers who had died in the service of their country prior to the sounding of The Last Post. A respectful hush fell across the parade ground for a moment of silence, with members of the school community standing to attention in unity with the CCF.
Wreaths were laid at the school War Memorial by Headmaster, Gus Lock and President of the Old Haberdashers’ Association, Mr Blessley. Following the service, staff and pupils from the CCF joined members of the school community in the Old Refectory for afternoon tea, where memories and experiences were shared.
Habs Boys Prep School also held a ceremony, with readings from Senior School students and the Head of Prep, Mr Rossetti, to reflect on the lives of those who had fallen. Cadets from the Navy, Army and RAF stood to attention as pupils remained in respectful silence while a wreath was laid at the school War Memorial.
The school’s poppy instalment will remain on the campus Quad until the end of November, during which time every member of the school community can pause to remember those who gave their lives.
