Nearly double the number expected turned up for a most moving and apt remembrance occasion on the 11th of the 11th at the Priory School Memorial Chapel this year.
A new group of 'Junior Chapel Trustees' constructed and laid a wreath with OL Barrie Woollard as the names of 'the 55' were read out by Ray Henning and student Ishbel Coulter. A hand bell was tolled for each name, in hope that next year we may have the Chapel bell back in use!
Priory student Sebastian Carpenter again was spine tingling on the trumpet with The Last Post and Reveille, and Will Walshe-Grey, one of the organ scholars sponsored by OLs, played the organ magnificently for 'Abide with Me'.
Wreaths were also laid by OL Councillor Graham Mayhew on behalf of Lewes Town Council, John Why, for the OLO and Paul Hayler for the Chapel Trustees.
Stories of two of the 55 were brought to life by Alan Pett and David Arnold.
A special note of thanks to Priory School for supporting this occasion and in particular staff member Paul Holt who has enthusiastically helped with building the links with the school. We were pleased that head teacher, Tony Smith, was also able to be present.
After three years, we think we've got the format about right and the 70 or so present suggests that this is an occasion that deserves to be continued. Particular thanks are due to Ray Henning who was responsible for most of the planning and arranging of this year's event.
Afterwards a number of us gathered for a convivial lunch at the Elephant and Castle where, among other things, we celebrated the 80th birthday of our esteemed President, John Davey.
Martyn Relf
Chair of OLO
