Remembrance Day services 2025 at Clifton College

This weekend was significant in the life of the College. Like many people across the country, we gathered in Chapel on Saturday and Sunday with parents and guests to remember with gratitude and thanksgiving those who have given their lives in the service of others.

On Saturday, the Prep School Choir sang Will Todd’s ‘The Call of Wisdom’ a hope-filled piece. It was a beautiful reminder to those in leadership at all levels, and indeed ourselves, to listen for the call of wisdom from within and from the above to guide us forward.

On Sunday the Upper School Choir provided three moments of reflection beginning with Parry’s ‘Crossing the Bar’ followed by ‘For the Fallen’ by Guest and concluding with James Macmillan’s ‘A new song’. The Macmillan, the words of which are based on Psalm 96, has inflections of Scottish folkmusic, Gaelic Psalmody and plainsong within it. The notes played on the organ footpedals created a unique sound, reminiscent of bagpipe drones. This superb musical offering on both days provided a wonderful space for reflection.

It was a joy to welcome Squadron Leader Jen Elliott on Saturday. She shared insights from her own experiences about why Remembrance is important to her. Her personal stories of life in the RAF were incredibly moving and inspiring.

On Sunday, it was a delight to have Lt Col Charlie Brunskill with us. He spoke of the vital importance of others before self and how selfless service in all its forms was the glue that holds the fabric of communities together. He reminded us that those who sacrificed themselves for others did not die for a world of indifference but that we might rise as better humans.

The CCF were joined by their new SSI Mark Stuckey as they led the dignified and moving wreath laying ceremony at Memorial Arch, which was brought to a close in prayer by the Chaplain, the Revd Mel Parkin.