In memory of the former pupils that died during World War 1, Dean Close organised a programme of events and activities that spanned six months that included pupils from age 2 to 18.
The youngest pupils in the School initiated the programme by planting poppies in the April, which was then followed by a well-attended photography exhibition at the Senior School, presented by a current parent honouring the spouses of those in the military.
On returning after the summer break, they were visited from a World War 1 Sergeant and Nurse had Prep School pupils for a Q&A, which was followed later in the week by a Senior School performance of ‘Dean Close Remembers’. This followed the stories of 12 Old Decanians who fought in the war and involved members of the whole School from Prep to Senior and the wider Dean Close community.
In the days leading up to Armistice Day, the Prep School built a replica trench and pop-up museum with artefacts supplied by a local art gallery, Year 8 pupils had their Poppy Poems published in Cotswold Life Magazine, the boarding community held a truce football match and the whole School joined together for a Victory Lunch. The Senior School created a Tree of Remembrance on the wall of the School’s BonBernard Art Gallery, where members of the Dean Close community were all welcome to write a message of remembrance on a paper leaf to attach to the Tree.
The week drew to a close with a Choral Concert of The Armed Man Mass by Carl Jenkins at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey. The whole Dean Close community was represented, including a 150-strong choir and orchestra of St John’s on the Hill, Dean Close Prep, Dean Close Senior, staff and professionals. The 13 movements of the piece, including a traditional Call to Prayer by Imam, Ismail Ginwalla, were each stunning and moving in equal measure. A final tribute the School held a Remembrance Service in the Dean Close chapel, with a dedication to the Poppy Cloister featuring poppies bought from the Tower of London to represent each of the fallen past pupils.