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Barney Remembers

The whole school gathered in silent reflection to remember the fallen of global conflict on November 11th.

Students from Barnard Castle School read the names of the 209 Old Barnardians, who made the ultimate sacrifice for King and Country, while their peers planted a simple wooden cross in an act of remembrance.

For 12-year-old bugler Tom S, of Richmond, the playing of the haunting melody of The Last Post fulfilled a childhood dream.

“Six years ago I stood with my friends at the Remembrance Service and thought one day I will play The Last Post in front of the whole school,” said the Year 8 student. “So I learned to play the trumpet and have now fulfilled that wish.

“It was quite stressful and I felt the weight on my shoulders of all the soldiers who had died but it was so rewarding.”

In the Great War of 1914-18, 150 Old Barnardians lost their lives, another 58 died in the Second World War and one in the Falkland’s campaign.

The Remembrance Day ceremony was also a poignant moment for headmaster David Cresswell whose father is English and mother German.

“So I had grandparents fighting on both sides of World War II,” he told more than 700 pupils, aged four to 18, and staff from the senior and preparatory schools. “Their experiences, though different, remind me that the impact of war reaches all people, regardless of side. For both my grandfathers, the war brought hardship and lasting memories that shaped their lives – and those of their families – long after it ended.

“It is moving to see the whole school gathered here, united in gratitude and remembrance. It’s a day that reminds us of the sacrifices made by 209 Old Barnardians. Each name represents a life, a story and a sacrifice that has given us the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy. They stood where you stand now and their legacy is woven into the fabric of our school.

“The concept of service, so central to our school, goes beyond duty. It is a lifelong commitment to others, to our community and to the principles of integrity, compassion, and resilience. These are values that echo through our halls and inspire us in our everyday lives, values that we strive to instil in each of you.”

He said no matter what was happening in everyone’s life, Remembrance Day served as a reminder to have perspective.

“We are incredibly fortunate; we live in peace, surrounded by support, education, and opportunity, gifts that were hard-won by those we remember today,” he said.

“Let us honour them by living with purpose and gratitude, by showing kindness to one another and by holding on to the values that unite us. They gave their lives so we could have a better tomorrow. It is our privilege and responsibility to remember them and to strive to be worthy of the sacrifice they made.”

Watched by a large contingent of the school’s Combined Cadet Force, Mr Cresswell, Prep School headmistress Laura Turner and director of music Richard Dawson laid wreaths on behalf of the Old Barnardians, the school and the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham.

Prayers were led by the Rev Canon Alec Harding and the school sang I Vow to Thee my Country and the National Anthem.