2018 Remembrance Day

The 2018 Remembrance Day service at Botley Cemetery was very well attended. It was a beautiful autumn morning on which to  remember the exact moment that the First World War ended exactly 100 years ago. Out thanks to all who helped to organise the service and to all who participated. Our guest speaker was Alan Pope, ex Lord Mayor of Oxford and chair of the Oxford -Bonn Twinning Link, which has been in existence for over 70 years. Read Alan’s Address here.

Alan Pope delivers address

Alan Pope delivering the Address

Wreaths

Wreaths placed at the Stone of Remembrance

Pupils of Matthew Arnold School

Head Boy and Head Girl of Matthew Arnold School who read and laid a wreath

Matthew Arnold  School pupil  Olivia Metson read her own poem ‘Peace’ during the service. Rhys Surtees, Head Boy at Matthew Arnold School read the Exhortation:

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 shall remember them

Local schoolchildren responded movingly to our search for poems  and pictures relating to our theme of peace and  reconciliation.

Peace by Millie Bray

Peace by Eleanor Barr

Peace by Owain Forey

Peace by Sam Pogose

Peace by David Naylor

Remembrance and Peace by Isaac Shaw