Remembrance Day Service

Date: Friday 9th November 2012
Time: TBC
Venue: Harrow High School

Each year the School invites the members of the Old Gaytonians Association to join them for their Remembrance Day Service to remember those one hundred and sixty eight Old Gaytonians who died in the service of their country. Nineteen died in World War One, one during the inter war period, one hundred and thirty seven in World War Two and fourteen since then.

The event commences informally at 10.15 in the School Library (formerly the gym or old hall, depending on your era), where there are refreshments, displays and a place to take a seat. Prefects are on hand at the main entrance to show you the way and help with any other queries you may have.

At 10.50, the Association Chairman welcomes all present and gives a short briefing on what will happen, before we then move out to the foyer where the names on the Roll of Honour from the inter-war period, 1939 to 1945, and post war period are read out. This is followed by a two-minute silence, after which the Chairman, Headteacher and one other advance the staircase to lay wreaths on behalf of the Association, the current school, and former scouts and cadets respectively. The rest of those assembled follow, to file past the school war memorial to pay their own respects, before returning to the Library.

After a brief interval, we are then invited to join the school in their own service in the School Hall, along with the current Year 8 (1st Years), which concludes with the reading of the 1914 – 18 Roll of Honour and the sounding of the Last Post. Members and guests are invited then to return once more to the Library to collect coats or take in the displays before leaving.

With proceedings over a small group usually partake in a very informal lunch at a nearby hotel (approximately 5 minutes walk), which is open to all (and very welcome to anyone coming any distance). There is no need to book, just tag along with the group.

The 2012 Remembrance Day Service will be held at Harrow High School, Gayton Road, Harrow HA1 2JG on Friday November 9th. All members of the Association will receive confirmation in their Calling Notice which will be posted with the 2011 O.G.A. Autumn Mailout.