Remembrance Sunday 2019

The School was delighted to welcome back on Sunday many ex-military Old Brutonians, along with Old Brutonians, King’s and Hazlegrove parents currently serving in the Armed Forces. The Headmaster led the Service of Remembrance in our own dedicated war memorial, the Memorial Hall, and highlighted the importance of the Memorial Hall to King’s, with panels to OBs who fell in both World Wars, the Korean War and most recently in Afghanistan. The Headmaster then explained the significance of the 54 Thankful Villages in England and Wales, which don’t have war memorials as all men who left to fight in the First World War returned alive. The importance of remembering the fallen but also the importance of celebrating peace and concord, following the themes of the reading, Matthew 5 vv1-13, read by the Deputy Head Girl, were highlighted in the Headmaster’s address. OB Richard Sullivan (New 1958-1962) read the exhortation from Binyon’s 'The Fallen', Joe (U6^th Form, Blackford) played 'The Last Post' and 'Reveille', and Richard Sullivan concluded with 'The Kohima Epitaph' before wreaths were laid by the President of the Old Brutonian Association, David Fleming, and the Head Boy and Head Girl.

The Military Band then led the School community through Bruton, joined by the other Bruton schools, The Royal British Legion and members of the town to the Service of Remembrance at the town’s war memorial outside St Mary’s Church. The weather was cold, clear and ideal for a moving service for the whole town. Ellie, (3^rd Form Arion) placed the wreath on behalf of King’s and George (U6^th Form, New) played 'The Last Post'. It was clear that King’s Bruton was playing an integral part in this major whole town event and there was an obvious feeling of joint remembrance and community spirit from all present. The School then hosted a very enjoyable buffet lunch for the OB and military parents who had led the procession behind the Military Band.

Armistice Day

The School also held a short Act of Remembrance at 11:00 on Monday 11^th November in The Memorial Hall. Amelia (5^th Form, Priory) sang her own composition 'They Gave Their Lives For Me' in memory of her great, great grandfather, who served in The London Irish Rifles in the First World War, before the Headmaster led the School in the Act of Remembrance. Sophie  (L6^th Form, Arion) played 'The Last Post' and the pupils and staff joined together for the two minutes silence. This year's Services of Remembrance were important and impressive events. The Military Band was outstanding and the School's depth of talent was shown by the fact that separate pupils performed 'The Last Post' at three separate events.

Ian Wilmshurst - Headmaster