On a cold, wet and windy afternoon on 11 November, over 65 former pupils and retired members of staff were invited to join young pupils and current staff on the Stewart' Melville College site.
A touching Act of Remembrance Ceremony was held at the War Memorial in front of the Old College building, with the poignant sounds of the bugle and pipes marking the traditional 2 minutes of silence.
Guests were also invited to join us at The Dean to browse the newly-launched SMC archives website (SMC Archives) and experience the trenches of WWI through the School's Virtual Reality headsets. The Schools use the headsets to create an immersive teaching experience for the children, allowing them to take virtual walks through historical environments and 'witness' historically significant moments. Several of our guests tried the headsets and were taken to the trenches of Passchendaele and Thiepval, the killing fields of the Somme and the resting grounds of the Delville Wood Cemetery through period footage and specially created videos.
Wreaths were also laid at the two War Memorials located within the former Dean church, and the one in the Memorial Garden just outside.
It was a reflective day, but one of camaraderie and togetherness as heads were bowed in thoughtful respect and remembrance.
You can find more pictures of the day here.
