Bradstow School in Broadstairs has thanked residents for turning out in the wind and rain to support the Poppy Proms in the Park event last weekend, marking the 100th year since the signing of the Great War armistice.
The weekend event took place at the Memorial Recreation Ground and was organised by the school.
The aim of the event was to encourage special needs, mainstream young people and the community to learn together.
Head teacher Sarah Dunn said: “It was a privilege to be part of such a truly inclusive and poignant event in the very heart of our local community. Thank you to all those who participated and supported this inspirational commemoration. We all have so much to be thankful for.”
Events started on Saturday(November 10), with a living history exhibit of life during 1914-1918, giving a glimpse into the home front and beyond with specific detail of events in Broadstairs and St Peters.
A life size warhorse sculpture created during inclusive art workshops run by resident Helen Whitehead at Bradstow and other local schools was on display. The Great War Trench Experience evoked the sights and sounds of life on the Western Front, the Trust for Thanet Archaelogy’s time tunnel gave insight into the times and the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scout Group were on hand to teach some essential field craft such as rope making.
Refreshments were available from Bessie Caravan, The Red Bean Machine, Larder Catering and Rent-a-Bar – who were serving Gadds Warhorse, brewed especially for Poppy Proms in the Park.
On Saturday evening special guest Sam West (pictured) told stories with isle narrators Sarah and Harry Dunn, Paul Gorham, Mike Kemlo, Harry Day, Ros Binks, Robert Hiller and Kerry Millett. Bradstow School choir and dancers were the first to take the stage followed by Inspirations Inclusive Theatre, Thanet Gospel Choir, Thanet Big Sing Community Choir, Kent Show Choir, Gaddzukes, Sea Shanty Singers, Stage Door Dancers, Mezza Soprano Rosie Evans, conductor Edward Greenhalgh and orchestra. They were joined on Sunday by three musicians for Music for Autism. Performers used acting, dance, song and music to bring the Poppy Proms in the Park to life within a large big top tent.
Bradstow School’s #InnocentsStill commemoration also took place, with volunteers dressing as the soldiers from Broadstairs and St Peters who lost their lives during the Great War. The Innocents handed cards to the public with details of the soldier they were remembering, their age and date of death and their regiment and rank.