NSCG honours bravery and sacrifice in poignant Remembrance Services
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) witnessed a significant turnout of both staff and students as they took part in a special service to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Students and staff from both campuses joined military veterans and serving personnel to participate in Armistice Day services on Friday, November 10, paying tribute to those who bravely served in the line of duty.
At Newcastle College, student cadets attended in full uniform to pay their respects before the commemorations began with a musical performance of “Fields of Gold” by the Performing Arts learners. Air Cadets, Charlie Anderson & Katelyn O’Reilly-Smith introduced the service before A Level student and Staffordshire’s Young Poet Laureate, Trinity Davis, recited her original poem “A Girl Named Zoe” which was written especially for the service.
A Level student and RAF cadet, Cian McDermott then read out Laurence Binyon’s 1914 poem “For the Fallen”, while Uniformed Protective Services students released red paper confetti from the first floor and second floor balcony, symbolizing the bloodshed during the war.
The commemorations continued as Applied Science student, Erin Tipping played “The Last Post” on the bugle marking the beginning of the solemn two-minute silence with the playing of “The Reveille” signifying its conclusion.
In Stafford, the poignant tribute was held in the brand new Skills and Innovation Centre where Students’ Union President Abi Fryatt and Vice President Dominica Kochanska introduced the service followed by stirring performances from Performing Arts students singing “Fields of Gold” and a solo from Isabella Fox singing “Somewhere only we Know.”
Both campuses ended their services with wreath-laying ceremonies as a mark of respect. In Newcastle, Level 2 and 3 Public Services students led a procession to the Cenotaph on the High Street while representatives from Stafford College headed to the Staffordshire County War Memorial in Victoria Park.
Todd Bailey, Curriculum Manager for Sport and Public Services at Newcastle College, said: “‘The annual Remembrance Service brings the College community together and allows us to pause for consideration of those involved in conflict across the globe.
“The effort and respect shown by all attending the service really highlights the culture at NSCG and is always mentioned by the veterans who come to support the occasion.
“Honouring those who lost their lives for our freedom instils the values of respect and courage and in remembering the past, our students develop a deep sense of duty and gratitude to help shape their future.”
Remembrance Services will be held across the weekend at various locations to honour the fallen and to commemorate the signing of the ceasefire agreement on November 11, 1918, marking the end of World War I.
