News
The Mill Hill School community gathered for its Call to Remembrance Service on Friday 11 November. Mr Antony Spencer (CEO of The Mill Hill School Foundation) shared his thoughts on the day with us – “Remembrance Day is always a vital part of the School’s calendar, bringing together the breadth of the school community. This includes, current pupils, Old Millhillians of different generations, Governors and staff – as we remember those who have gone before and lost their lives in war. It remains as important as ever that we remember them”
The day started with the unveiling of an art installation in our Chapel Garden. The piece honoured Mill Hill School pupils who fought in World War One. Art Scholars and staff in the Art Department took rubbings on canvas ribbons of each fallen soldier from Mill Hill School in the First World War and hung them on a tree in the Chapel Garden. These names are listed on our School’s Gate of Honour, which stands in front of the School. The art piece will remind our community to stop and consider those Millhillians who lost their lives in conflicts. Bo (Lower Sixth, Priestley) and Grace (Lower Sixth, Priestley) gave a moving speech about life as a Mill Hill pupil during the War. They highlighted how the canvas rubbings represent the soldiers’ everlasting presence at Mill Hill, both physically and spiritually. The speech had a lasting impact on the audience and gave the art piece an even deeper meaning. Thanks to Mr Lockwood (Art Technician), our Art Scholars and Ms Collins (Teacher of Art), who prepared the ribbons.
Pupils, staff, and guests then made their way to the School’s Gate of Honour. As they left, the Music School played a fantastic piece of music led by Mr Kyle (Director of Musical Performance). The School then stood in silence in front of the Gate of Honour to remember those who died serving the country. Here, the Corps of Drums gave an impressive performance. Mr Norrington (Contingent Commander CCE) told us that “It is an immense privilege for members of the CCF to be part of this important school event. Their efforts are a fitting tribute to the Millhillians that have gone before them and a clear signal that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.” At the end of the service, wreaths were laid out on behalf of pupils, staff, CCF and Governors of Mill Hill School, and Old Millhillians.
A Chapel Service followed the Act of Remembrance. The President of the Old Millhillians’ Club, Mr Chris Kelly read an address initially given by Old Millhillian David Smith 1938-1943 (Co-founder of the St Bees Old Millhillians Association). David’s words still carried weight and importance many years on. Mr Antony Spencer gave a moving sermon about the tragedy and reality of War, and Mrs Sanchez (Head) read the names of the fallen from the First World War. The portraits of the fallen were displayed in the Chapel, which made her words even more touching. The choir and congregation beautifully sang various Hymns. These included ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’ and ‘O God and Our Help In Ages Past’.
Thanks to Mr Kyle for leading the Choir and Music School band, Major Norrington who oversaw the CCF Guard of Honour, and Miss Randell (Head of Art), our Art Scholars and Teachers of Art who created the art installation which stands tall in the Chapel Garden.
