Our next Open Event is on Tuesday 4 March
Our next Open Event is on Tuesday 4 March
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them
Nescot in partnership with the Epsom and Ewell branch of the Royal British Legion held a solemn Act of Remembrance for students and staff on Friday 8 November in the college’s Skills Park.
Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot who led the commemoration at the college said, “Remembrance Day remains a solemn occasion to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have given their lives in service to their country. In a world marked by ongoing conflicts and turbulent times, this day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the importance of preserving peace.”
The Remembrance commemoration featured readings of extracts and poems of war memories by 11 students representing the college’s Public Services cohort. Henry read out an extract from ‘The Way Back Home – Part 1’; Katie recited the poem, ‘Shadows and Stars’ and Dani, Lily, Caleb, Sam, Bijou, Shannon, Jamie, Charelle and Luke took it in turns to read out ‘If you served with me when we were young’.
The commemoration also included a thought-provoking display of Remembrance by students on our Foundation Learning programme. Our Entry Level 2 students designed and created a sign, horseshoes and purple glittery poppies which they wore in tribute to and remembrance of animals who served. Our Entry Level 3 Computing Pathway students created silhouettes of soldiers that featured letters decorated in poppies on the reverse that spelt out the words ‘Remember’. They also signed the poem, ‘I am Wearing a Poppy’ and the phrase, ‘We shall Remember’ in British Sign Language along with Clarrie Rodgers, tutor on our Foundation Learning team.
Public Services student Henry along with Julie Kapsalis, laid a poppy wreath alongside a knitted sculpture representing a soldier created by Margaret Hughes, Employability coach and Horticultural Lead for Foundation Learning.
The poignant bugle melody, the Last Post was played by invited guest and bugler Dennis Sexton, following which everyone in attendance observed a two-minute silence which ended with the sounding of the Reveille on the bugle.
Nescot’s Public Services students have also been fundraising for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal by selling poppies around campus. Students Caleb and Sam said that it felt good fundraising for a worthy cause and that the opportunity to take part in the Act of Remembrance has helped build their confidence.
Along with the college’s students and staff, the event was also attended by representatives from the Epsom and Ewell branch of the Royal British Legion – Barbara Warwick Chair, Dennis and Anne Sexton.
For information on Remembrance please see: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance
If now each November
You stand and remember
You served with me