Lest We Forget: Remembrance 2024

THIS YEAR, RGS STUDENTS, STAFF AND OLD NOVOCASTRIANS CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE LIVES OF THOSE LISTED WITHIN THE SCHOOL'S ROLL OF HONOUR AND REFLECT ON THE COST OF WAR, ITS IMPACT AND THE CONTINUED IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY. 

On Monday, 11th November 2024, RGS marked our day of Remembrance. Flags lined the RGS Hall, bearing the faces of all 16 fallen Old Novos. Wreaths were also laid in front of the school's organ, which serves as a war memorial bearing the names of Old Novos who gave their lives in the Great War, World War ll and post-1945.

The whole school attended a commemorative assembly. Members of our CCF had an important ceremonial role, including flag-bearing and laying wreaths of poppies at the RGS organ. Our Head of History, Mr. Tyreman, gave a poignant speech, highlighting the cost of war on society and those who fight across the Armed Forces, Navy and RAF.

Beautifully poignant musical performances by the Senior Choir and Chamber Choir - accompanied by three student organists, a string quartet and a senior trumpeter from upper sixth - were woven into the assembly. The Chamber Choir opened with Edward Elgar's Lux Aeterna, a vocal adaptation of Nimrod from the Enigma Variations, a piece deeply connected with remembrance and reflection. While the Senior Choir performed a modern setting of the Samuel Francis Smith poem, 'From Earth the Heaven' compose by Craig Courtney with accompanying String Quartet. 

Lily G, Y13 member of the Senior and Chamber Choir, said: "The musical pieces from the remembrance assembly allowed for a moving and deliberate reflection on the loss caused by conflict and the hope for peace. The feels emblematic, given the school's musical history and the ethereal nature of the music performed at this year's service."

The assembly ended with a Two Minute Silence, during which everyone reflected on the awe-inspiring and emotive stories of our fallen ONs.

Thank you to all staff, students and ONs who contributed to this incredibly poignant day at RGS. Please click here to learn more about our fallen ONs represented on our digital Roll of Honour.

Lest we forget.