‘Lest We Forget’ - Stockport Academy Poppy Drop Pays Armistice Day Respects

The whole school gathered in the Atrium for the annual service, which started with an introduction and welcome by Executive Principal Mr McCarron, before Reverend Mike Newman read the Act of Remembrance.

Students who were members of local scout and cadet groups proudly wore their uniform and joined VIPs overlooking the ceremony as standard bearers from the Stockport Normandy Veterans And Friends, and the North Reddish Royal Naval Association formed a small procession as the service got underway.

Former student Shaun Brady returned for his fourth year to play the last post on his saxophone, which signalled the start of an impeccably-observed two-minute silence – with everyone pausing to reflect on the huge sacrifice made by those who have served our country in the Armed Forces over the years.

Head Boy Sam then read out the Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for tomorrow we gave our today.” Sam then dropped the first poppy, which was the signal for everyone else to follow suit. Each poppy displayed a message of thanks handwritten by students.

Year 9 student Belle sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, before guest speaker Ray Withnall - treasurer of Stockport Normandy Veterans And Friends – shared his memories of travelling back to Normandy with his father who served in the Second World War and what it meant to him.

Mr McCarron said: “Our Poppy Drop is always such a humbling service to be part of and we were honoured to be joined this year by members of the Stockport Normandy Veterans And Friends, the North Reddish Royal Naval Association and members of the wider community. We are all incredibly proud of the level of respect shown by all students at today’s service.

“It is so important that we continue to recognise this important date and teach the younger generation of the sacrifices that have been made so that we can have the freedom we enjoy today.”