A Thanet based alumni group representing former pupils of St Augustine’s College -the Society of Old Augustinians – is making an appeal to secondary schools in Thanet to take part in a Remembrance Service in Ramsgate after the Ursuline College in Westgate pulled out at short notice.
The special Remembrance Service is due to take place at the Grade One listed St Augustine’s Church in Ramsgate on Saturday 8th November at 12 noon. Since 2014, Ursuline College pupils had been part of the service by reading the roll of honour, giving readings and more recently giving a talk about the lives of those from the school who died in active service.
But the society has been informed Ursuline will not be taking part this year and so are looking for another secondary school or youth group to take its place.
Andrew Sharp, Chair of the Alumni, said: “One of the main purposes of this Remembrance is for school pupils in Thanet to be involved in remembering former pupils in Thanet who sacrificed their lives in the two World Wars. Some of those who died, were school leavers as young as 18 years of age.
“We do hope that there is a secondary school or youth group in Thanet who would be available to be part of this service and read the roll of honour – that is the names of those from the school who gave their lives, particularly on this 80th anniversary year of the end of World War Two.”
“Lest we forget – it’s important for future generations to remember these ex-Thanet pupils who gave their lives – many of them so young. They should never be forgotten.
Mr Sharp said the Society is “disappointed” that Ursuline will not be taking part, particularly after the group helped the school raise £2,000 for students to take a trip to the war graves in Ypres.”
Mr Sharp added: “Since 2014 the school, as a successor school to our own, has been keenly involved with this Remembrance Service. We very much hope that despite this, pupils, teachers and parents at the school will still attend, even if they are not represented officially – and they will be made welcome and hope too that they will be officially involved again next year.”
If any school or youth group can help, contact [email protected]
An Ursuline College spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we are unable to attend this event this year. We will be providing our pupils in school with opportunities to reflect, pray, and honour all those who have given their lives in service to others.”
