Dean Close, as have many schools, has marked Armistice Day since its inception. This year’s dates of half term and the requirement to socially distance meant a necessary change from the usual Sunday service held in the Dean Close Memorial Chapel, which was dedicated on 1st November 1923. It was seen as fitting to hold a shortened ‘Drumhead Service’ on the lawn outside the chapel. Poppy wreathes were laid onto the Drumhead as names of some of the 205 pupils who were killed in conflict since the start of WW1 were read. A single shot from a cannon and ‘The last post’ saw the beginning of the act of remembrance.
A number of pupils with families currently serving in the forces read poems, prayers and thoughts to the school who had not conducted an act of whole school worship since lockdown moved us apart back in March. “It was fantastic to see pupils and staff come together to mark the two minutes silence in such a respectful and solemn manner today”, noted Major DD Evans OC CCF.
