Vinehall pupils remember

Year 8 pupils led by the Head Boy, Sam Gilliland and Head Girl, Alice Leary recited poems and led the school in prayer.

The Assistant Bursar, Squadron Leader Caroline Would (Ret’d) gave an address in which she referred to the sixteen years she had spent serving in the Royal Air Force.

All the children in the School had made their own poppies at home in memory of a member of their family who had served in the armed forces.

They brought them up to the stage to present. Many had photographs and descriptions of their relatives.

Mr Richard Follett the Headmaster said: “I am very proud of the efforts the children have made in making their very special poppies of Remembrance.

“Many have researched their family history and uncovered acts of great bravery. Our service today enabled them to think about the courage of all our armed forces through focussing on their own families.”

After the service, the Headmaster and Squadron Leader Caroline Would were joined by the Head Boy, Head Girl and Lily Flint who laid wreathes at the foot of the School flagpole.

Vinehall was among a number of schools in the Rye and Battle area who held special events and assemblies on Armistice Day to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1. Some pupils laid wreaths or wooden crosses at Memorials.