More than 100 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 fifth annual Remembrance Day service on Tuesday (11 November).
Supported by UPS staff, some of whom are ex-military, students organised the drill parade as well as hosted interactive stands presenting stories of heroism and remembrance for guests to visit.
Students spent time researching stories of former military heroes, including their own relatives and presented their projects on the day. Guests also enjoyed refreshments created by both our hospitality and catering students and the UPS students, with a selection of cakes and brownies. Visitors could purchase fabric and crocheted poppies handmade by UPS students. The combined sales of all these items raised £506 for the Royal British Legion.
Attendees were able to see the 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 groups.
Following the drill parade led by student Sophie Rose, student Ellie-May Gamlin read the poem Remember Me by Harry Riley and Keira Whyld gave the dedication by reciting the Kohima Epitaph.
Dignitaries included college governors, Jen Hope from the Association of Colleges, chief inspector of Nottinghamshire Police Chris Sutcliffe, chair of Mansfield BID Gary Jordan MBE, Kevin Heron, army engagement warrant officer at Chetwynd Barracks, Jay Rowlinson of Mansfield BID, and Katie Kerry and Brendan Coulson from Nottingham Trent University.
Also in attendance were councillor Matt Relf and Charlie Edwards, the executive director of operations at Ashfield District Council, councillor Stuart Richardson from Mansfield District Council, Katie Eustace from Nottinghamshire Police, Joe McGeown from Capita and Stephen Cooper from Mansfield CVS.
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.
Advanced diploma student Kasey Fazakerley, 16, brought in memorabilia and research regarding her great-great-grandad Ronald. Kasey and her peers put together a selection of Ronald’s letters to his wife during the war and other personal artefacts for their research display.
Kasey said: “My great-great grandad was a motorcyclist in the army during World War II and we have lots of letters he sent to his wife, which were posted in a special envelope when he couldn’t reveal his location. I’m really lucky to have all of these items and it makes me so proud of this man I never got to meet.”
The college’s principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley was joined by several invited guests to lay poppy wreaths on the ceremonial table to honour fallen members of the military, veterans and current serving men and women.
Andrew Cropley said: “This year’s Remembrance Day parade has been truly special. I witnessed a wonderful blend of traditional tribute and creative innovation. The research our Uniformed Protective Services students have done, along with the displays of stories, memorabilia, and photographs, has brought many more students into the heart of the event than ever before.
“It’s been lovely to see them bring a piece of themselves to the day and to hear about the relatives and personal histories they’ve uncovered – some even going back to great-great-grandparents.
“The thought and care that’s gone into this has been inspiring, and I hope we can continue to share and build on this work for years to come. My thanks and congratulations go to the whole team for such an impressive and moving commemoration.”
Programme area leader for UPS, Simon Humphreys, said: “The Remembrance Day parade was a meaningful and well-received event for the college and wider community. This year’s change in format was purposely introduced to help students and staff engage more deeply with the significance of the day, using a research-led, talk-based approach to encourage personal reflection and understanding, along with refreshments that were provided by the catering department.
“The feedback we have received has been great and has shown that the revised format helped reinforce the important messages behind Remembrance.
“The parade came together within a very short planning window following induction week in September, which reflects the collective effort, adaptability and support shown across the department. Students delivered their contributions with maturity and respect and staff worked together to ensure the day ran smoothly.
“Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event and we’re delighted that more than £500 was raised for the Royal British Legion.”