For the last four years, Westbourne House has been supporting the Royal British Legion’s 14-18 Legacy. Pupils created WWI hangings in 2014 that have served to remind pupils, staff and visitors of these centenary years, and a giant sculptural poppy has adorned the front of the school over the four years.
Helen Barker, teacher and charity coordinator at Westbourne House, said, “As a school, between 2014 - 2018, we have organised speakers from soldiers to the Royal British Legion, who have helped the children to understand the history of World War One, what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches, and that people still fight for us today. We have raised £25,000 for the 14-18 Legacy.”
It was therefore with great understanding that Westbourne House children and staff gathered in front of the school on the centenary of the end of WWI to remember and pray for all those who have given their lives, returned wounded and are still fighting today. Daisy Doherty, Troop Leader (equivalent of Head Girl) read In Flanders Fields and pupil Rumi Mansoubi played the last post. At Chapel Service afterwards, Father Andrew Wadsworth led the service.
Pupils and staff at Westbourne House will shortly be presenting the Royal British Legion with the funds raised for the 14-18 Legacy; and the school is donating the giant steel poppy, created by local sculptor, Kate Viner, to Blind Veterans UK (formerly St Dunstan’s), for their Brighton centre.
See also - Year 4 visit the Imperial War Museum.
