Remembrance Service 11th November, 2024

This year's Remembrance Service was hosted by the Sir George Monoux College and the Old Monovians Association.

The opening address was made in the College hall by James Gould, vice principle of the College.

The Remembrance Service was lead by Mark Hough, with Geoff Hotten, treasurer of the Old Monovians Association, reading  'In Flanders Fields'

This poem, which inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance, was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. In the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend in Ypres, a Canadian doctor, McCrae wrote his now famous poem after seeing poppies growing in battle-scarred fields.

Mark Hough's address emphasised the great sacrifice made by allies from the many Nations and Faiths who joined together to eventually defeat the Axis powers during World War Two and the many other conflicts before and since.

It was very moving to see this event attended by so many students and staff of the College, joining together with members of the Old Monovians Association.

After the address, the assembly moved out to the Memorial Quadrangle to observe 2 minutes silence in respect of those fallen during conflict.

The 'Last Post' was played by Steve Knowles, followed by laying of wreaths carried out by Derek Steward and Brian Westbury.