A special Remembrance Service for Old Augustinians went ahead on Saturday 8th November at 12 noon after Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School and Hartsdown Academy came to the rescue because Ursuline College pulled out at short notice.
The service was attended by The Chair of Thanet District Council, Cllr Debra Owen-Hughes, Old Augustinians, Westgate Ursuline Alumni, local parishioners and other school representatives from Thanet.
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar school students gave readings and read the roll of honour of those Old Augustinians who gave their lives in WW1 and WW2. Also involved with the service were representatives of Hartsdown Academy.
A wreath was laid at the St Augustine’s College War Memorial by Old Augustinian, David Fugurally.
At a reception afterwards, Dr Chris Horsburgh, President of the Old Augustinians, presented gifts to Chatham House and Clarendon Grammar School represented by Mr Craig Lowis and to Hartsdown Academy represented by Mrs Kate Spikes. Dr Horsburgh thanked both schools for coming to our aid.
A gift was also given to Pugin’s St Augustine’s church, which apart from being a working church is also one of Thanet’s main heritage attractions. The gift was received by its Rector, Fr Jonathan Routh.
Andrew Sharp, Old Augustinians Chair thanked all those present for attending and for showing their support. He also thanked all OAs and Westgate Ursuline Alumni who both collectively and individually generously donated to help fund the Ursuline College’s recent trip to Ypres to visit some of the war graves of those whose names were read out.
He went on to say, “We are so pleased to have received help from these two Thanet Schools, and we are very grateful.”
“We would also like to thank the Isle of Thanet News for publishing our appeal for help – the publicity helped us enormously and we are very grateful.”
“Lest we forget – it’s an important part of Thanet Schools’ heritage that today’s generation of students remembers those many ex-Thanet pupils who gave their lives for us. They should never be forgotten.”
Andrew Sharp
Chairman