Pocklington School Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2018 | Page 5

Remembrance Orchard for those who fell Acts of Remembrance A small Remembrance Orchard has been planted in the Headmaster’s Garden to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War One. Four pupils with family members in the Armed Forces helped Headmaster Mark Ronan dedicate six apple trees from varieties popular in 1918, as part of the School’s Armistice Day Commemorations. The ceremony, which was also attended by Standard bearers and members of staff, heard that the trees, two cookers, two eaters and two cider varieties, will stand for those who fell in the conflict. They also heard the following reading: “The trees' annual cycle of regeneration and recovery reminds us of the mourning, memorial and moving on of war. Let us hope these apple trees, planted today, will be a memorial, but also a symbol of the light of regenerating life over the many seasons to come.” The 100th anniversary of Armistice Day was marked throughout the School with a series of events and activities which paid tribute to the soldiers, including Old Pocklingtonians, who died in battle. at the front when the gunfire stopped, and to people who observe the silence today. Prep and Senior School pupils and staff contributed poppies to a Tree of Remembrance in the School Library, with the details of fallen soldiers from their own families or soldiers whose histories they had researched. A Remembrance Sunday Boarders’ service at the School Chapel was followed by the Chaplain’s rededication of the Memorial Cricket Pavilion, erected to honour OPs who died in the two World Wars. OP President Trevor Loten laid a wreath on behalf of the OP Association and the Last Post and Reveille were played by former parent Michael Cooper. The Prep School’s Act of Remembrance heard the names of former pupils who died in action before a minute’s silence was observed. The Senior School Remembrance service reflected on the significance of silence, both for soldiers The Boarders inspected an original 1913 WW1 Thorneycroft truck renovated by OP John Marshall (64-70) which then led Pocklington’s town Remembrance Parade, followed by the School’s Combined Cadet Force. 4