Around 400 people from the local community fell silent for the fallen at a remembrance commemoration held at West Suffolk College’s Built Environment campus today.
The occasion saw the unveiling of a large mural depicting a scene from D-Day to recognise the 70th anniversary of this battle.
A cenotaph was also revealed that will now become a permanent fixture at this campus to honour all those who have lost their lives in battle, as well as former staff and students who have passed.
Representatives from the Royal British Legion supported this West Suffolk College remembrance event.
A bench - commemorating Normandy veterans - that has been restored by carpentry and joinery students after falling into disrepair was placed next to the cenotaph and will now be a constant fixture at this facility based down Anglian Lane.
The service was overseen by Rev. Canon Tiffer Robinson who is the vicar of St Mary’s and St Peter’s in Bury St Edmunds. He said he was ‘honoured to be invited to take the service’.
Youngsters from Stanton Primary School sang two songs during a ceremony that their teacher said was 'beautiful'.
He was joined by the community that included the armed forces, along with local care home residents, the Royal British Legion, students from across the Eastern Education Group and youngsters from Stanton Primary School.
Brian Tunbridge helped oversee the event. The carpentry and joinery lecturer said: “This event saw the college come together. Our catering team provided teas and coffees, the carpentry team made a mural and cenotaph, public service students read tributes, the music department looked after the sound, performing arts sang a song and representatives from all of our campuses - including our CEO Dr Nikos Savvas - supported this event.
Tim Taylor and Alex Haws from the armed forces were in attendance at the West Suffolk College remembrance event.
“It was very moving - and we are always proud to do our bit by looking back and reflecting on the importance of remembering everyone who has died trying to protect our freedom.”
Rion Lewis, 22, from Bury St Edmunds is an assistant technician at West Suffolk College and he did most of the work in terms of creating the cenotaph and D-Day display.
Performing Arts students from a group called Acado sang a tribute at this remembrance event held at the Built Environment campus at West Suffolk College.
In terms of this event Rion said: “The event went beautifully. It was a proud moment to see my work on display. It’s important to remember the sacrifices people made for the lives we have today.”
Rion was supported in his efforts by Ryan Frost, Dan Ridgewell and many others from the carpentry and joinery department at the college.
Members of the Royal British Legion fall silent by the newly created West Suffolk College cenotaph.
Rosie Bradbury is a class teacher at Stanton Primary School. Rosie worked with her students who sang two songs during the ceremony. Rosie said: “We didn’t realise how big this beautiful event would be, but they (the children) rose to the challenge. It’s hugely important we make time to remember.”
Reece, 9, a student from Stanton Primary School said: “I’m quite emotional and happy after singing the songs. Remembrance means a lot to me.”
Layla, 10, (also from Stanton), said: “I was proud to be singing. We do lots at school about remembrance.”
Rion Lewis in the foreground falls silent to remember - Rion helped created the D-Day mural and cenotaph.
Major Alex Laws from the Royal Engineers said: “This is my second time here and it gets bigger and better every year. It’s very impressive what the students have put together. And it’s great to see all the different elements of the community come together at the college.”
Squadron Leader, Tim Tayor, OC of 2623 squadron at RAF Honington. He said: “It’s very important we recognise the efforts of our predecessors and we were really impressed by the engagement shown by members of the college. It was also really nice that we recognised the efforts of our American comrades who are so much part of the history of RAF Honington.”
Companies who sponsored materials for these activities are BLC Construction Supplies, Brewers, Morgan Sindall and Anglian Scaffolding.
