The Barnard Castle School community gathered in solemn unity on Armistice Day to honour the fallen, with pupils and staff from both the Senior and Prep Schools joining together for a moving Remembrance service.
Led by Headmaster David Cresswell, the service was supported by Revd Canon Alec Harding of St Mary’s in Barnard Castle and Revd Dr Ana Moskvina-Baldwin. The School came together to sing ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’ before the Act of Remembrance began.
At precisely 11am, trumpeter Thomas Staley of Tees House sounded the Last Post, signalling the start of the two-minute silence observed across the School.
In one of the most poignant moments of the morning, Head Boy Seb Bowerman and Head Girl Emily Tuer, accompanied by fellow prefects and the Prep School Head Boy and Head Girl, read aloud the 209 names of Old Barnardians and former members of staff who lost their lives in conflict.
As each name was spoken, pupils from all Houses walked quietly to the School’s playing fields to place poppy-adorned crosses into the embankment – 209 symbols of gratitude and remembrance for those who served and sacrificed.
Today is about remembering those who have fallen, showing gratitude and paying our respects. It is also a time for reflection, and a time to think of those closest to us who continue to make great sacrifices.
The parade was led by Captain Barry Imms, Contingent Commander of the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), whose leadership set the tone for a service marked by dignity, discipline and deep respect.
Wreaths were laid by the Headmaster on behalf of the Old Barnardians, by Mrs Turner on behalf of the School, and by Mr Midcalf on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham. The service concluded with the National Anthem and a final Blessing.
This year’s Remembrance held particular resonance within the Barney community. 52 pupils come from Forces families, many of whom have parents currently deployed or working away from home. Their composure, respect and quiet reflection throughout the morning were a credit to both themselves and the School.
Reflections from the community
Captain Barry Imms, CCF Contingent Commander, shared the personal significance of the occasion:
“As the son of a Royal Engineer and a former Royal Engineer myself, Remembrance Services have always held a deeply personal and poignant significance for me. This year was no exception. As the Contingent Commander of the Barnard Castle CCF, I felt an immense sense of pride and honour in leading our cadets during such a solemn and meaningful occasion. They wore their uniforms with pride, honouring the traditions and values they represent.
“Their drill was conducted with precision and dignity, reflecting the respect due on this most important day of remembrance. The laying of the wreaths in particular was a powerful reminder that remembrance is not just about looking back, but about carrying forward the values of duty, courage, and service that those before us embodied.”
Mrs Purvis, the School’s Forces Families Lead and a military wife whose husband is currently deployed, reflected on the wider meaning of the day:
“Today is about remembering those who have fallen, showing gratitude and paying our respects. It is also a time for reflection, and a time to think of those closest to us who continue to make great sacrifices. It was a time for us to show solidarity and support for those actively serving too. Our commitment to supporting not only our Forces pupils but their parents too, is felt particularly strongly on Armistice Day.”
Barnard Castle School remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring the past while supporting those who serve today. Through acts of remembrance, the Barney community continues to uphold the values of duty, courage and service, ensuring that the sacrifices of others are never forgotten.
