More than 60 students who are studying on UPS courses, with aspirations of taking up careers in the Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, the police force and fire service, welcomed VIP guests, staff, and family and friends to the college’s fourth annual Remembrance Day service on Monday (11 November).
Supported by UPS staff, some of whom are ex-military, the parade saw a guard of honour march led by parade commander and extended diploma student Phiphi Wiley while fellow diploma student Gareth Maude acted as static guard leader.
Former A-Level student and RAF warrant officer Ethan Burton performed a parade inspection alongside Phiphi, while Ethan Wood read the poem Remember Me by Harry Riley and Daniel James Morris gave the dedication by reciting the Kohima Epitaph.
Attendees were able to see the witness students carrying out specific drill movements which they have worked hard perfecting since the start of this academic year. These individuals were made up of Level 1, 2 and 3 students.
Dignitaries included Lt Col Keith Spiers OBE TD, head of engagement at the Army’s Chetwynd Barracks and college governor, Gary Jordan MBE, Chair of Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID), David Selwyn, chief executive of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, Jay Rowlinson of Mansfield BID and Katie Kerry from NTU.
Also in attendance was councillor Matt Relf from Ashfield District Council, Tom Staples from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, Nick Mellors of Innovation Nottinghamshire, Councillor Stuart Richardson from Mansfield District Council and Tony Delahunty from Mansfield 103.2. A number of the guests laid wreaths in memory of the fallen.
The Last Post and Reveille were played on the cornet by the college’s careers, employability and progression administrator Mike Kilmartin. Mike is a retired army musician who served for almost 12 years, firstly with the Royal Engineers, then with the Army Air Corp.
The college’s principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley was joined by former principal Don Mackenzie and his wife Jane. Mr Mackenzie served as the college’s principal from 1974 to 1994. Both principals laid poppy wreaths on the ceremonial table to honour fallen members of the military, veterans and current serving men and women.
Phiphi Wiley, 18, from Newark, said: “I’ve been really proud to be leading something like this. Remembrance Day is quite special to me as members of my family have served in the Armed Forces and I am hoping to go on to join the RAF. We’ve been practicing the drill since the beginning of September, and everyone involved has done really well.
“I’ve applied for the RAF regiment as an officer so will hopefully go next year. I’ve passed my fitness and interview stage already. I would like to be in a role which leads, helps and makes a difference. I think it’s important for people from all backgrounds, genders, ages and experience to help others.
“The college has played a massive part in boosting my confidence and getting me to where I am today. It’s all about teamwork – everyone here works together and helps one another and that’s where confidence and ambition comes from.
Principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley said: “I'm so proud of our uniformed protective services students who performed with great discipline and teamwork at our remembrance parade this Armistice Day.
“They helped staff, family members and important stakeholders to pay their respects to the fallen in the most positive and appropriate way.
“Congratulations to our staff team who did a great job in preparing our students for this event but then had the courage to let go and empower the students to lead the parade themselves.”
Programme area leader for UPS, Simon Humphreys, said: “Students joined members of the community to honour the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.
“The event allowed them to experience the importance of service and respect, while connecting with a tradition of deep historical significance. We appreciate the students' commitment, as their participation reflects a strong sense of responsibility, pride, and understanding of this day’s values.
“We’re all reminded of the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms and the need to honour those who serve. We hope the remembrance service created a lasting awareness for all who attended, encouraging them to carry forward the meaning of this day.
“Importantly, beyond an annual observance, we aim to deepen understanding and ensure that Remembrance Day remains a meaningful reflection, and one that does not fade into routine or lose its significance over time.
“Above all, we will continue to honour both past and present individuals that served in the Armed Forces and we thank the community for their support as these future members of the uniformed services learn the significance of remembrance, respect, and gratitude to others.”