West Suffolk College fell silent for their own Remembrance tribute this week at their Built Environment Campus based in Bury St Edmunds.
The occasion started with a welcome from Debbie Coomes (assistant principal of the college).
Students from Honington Primary School then sang the hymn, Peace, Perfect Peace.
Public service learners from the college and staff read out poems and tributes.
The last post was played by representatives from the Boys Brigade (John Heare and Bruce Day) and two minutes silence was respected in front of a 12 metre by four metre tribute created by carpentry students, depicting iconic planes that were used in World War II.
After the silence a musical tribute from the college Conservatoire East choir called AMADO concluded proceedings.
Various members of the armed forces were in attendance including representatives from Honington and The Royal British Legion.
Debbie Coomes from the college said: “I’m extremely proud of our students and a huge thank you to everyone involved. I feel as proud as punch. It’s important we never forget.”
Brian Tunbridge who helped co-ordinate the event said: “I have connections to the forces through my family history and that is why it is an honour and privilege to always respectfully remember the fallen.”
Rion Lewis with Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Laws
One of the students who took a lead role in the creation of the plane design is Rion Lewis, 22, from Bury St Edmunds. The carpentry and joinery student was presented with a ‘certificate of recognition’ by Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Laws for his efforts. Rion said: “The ceremony went very well. Next year there will be a focus on the navy in terms of our display so I hope to get involved in that. Getting the certificate was a nice surprise.”
Rion’s mum (Laura Lewis) was also in attendance. Her father (and Rion’s grandfather) did basic training with the Scottish Black Watch, before being deployed by the Royal Artillery and helped liberate Bergen Bolsen camp in 1945 at the age of 16. Laura said: “I’m so proud of Rion. Remembrance keeps me connected to the past - it keeps the love alive.”
Annie and Milo
Two students from Honington Primary School also spoke about their participation in this event.
On Armistice, Annie, 6, from the primary school said: “I enjoyed singing the song (Peace, Perfect Peace).”
Milo, 6, also from the primary school said: “It’s about remembering the people who looked after us.”
Another attendee was Clive Penton who was representing the RAF Association in Stowmarket. Clive said: “I joined the RAF in the late fifties. During remembrance I think of the people I served with, my comrades and companions. I lost one or two over the years. It (remembrance) is a memory of everyone.”
Brian Tunbridge with Clive Penton from the RAF Association in Stowmarket
West Suffolk Chairman, Cllr Roger Dicker, was at the ceremony. He said: “I was grateful to be invited to see what the students created. It was a very moving service. It makes me feel very proud.”
West Suffolk College also worked with Needham Market primary school to create a display with children that is situated outside the educational establishment’s front gates and public service students are working with the Royal British Legion in and around Bury St Edmunds to raise funds for this benevolent cause.
Keith Reeve from Scottys Little Soldiers with Penny the Labrador - Keith and Penny will be at the Centotaph in London on Sunday
Penny
Former student Agnieszka Procajlo presented the college with a painting that she had created based on a World War I display that students created in 2022.
In terms of this presentation (pictured below), Debbie Coomes, added: “A huge thank you to Agnieszka for gifting us this fabulous painting.”
West Suffolk College is part of Eastern Education Group. Elsewhere across the group, One and Abbeygate Sixth Form Colleges will be having a two minutes silence at 11am on Friday 10 November 2023. University Studies at West Suffolk College will also be doing the same.
Morgan Sindall, Brewers Decorator Services, BLC Construction Supplies and Anglian provided time and materials to help the college create the RAF plane display.