We Will Remember Them

Remembrance Day 2024

On Monday 11 November 2024, the whole school gathered with OVs, Hon OVs, Governors and Trustees, in Worcester Cathedral to commemorate The Fallen in a moving and poignant Service of Remembrance.

OV Alec Mackie (Cl 47-56) and President of the OV Club, James Smalley (Br 10-17) laid a wreath on behalf of the Old Vigornian Community, joined by Heads of School Eric D and Amelia V who laid a wreath on behalf of the School. The wreaths had been marched into the Cathedral by the King’s CCF Colour Guard. Prayers were led by the Rev’d Dr Dorsett (Hon OV), who also gave a moving and thoughtful Address.

The Reading, Revelation 21, verses 1-7, was shared by Senior Scholars Emily A and James C. When it was time for The Last Post, five School trumpeters from Upper Fourth to Lower Sixth stood up to give a resplendent rendition, truly honouring The Fallen.

In a particularly moving part of the service, the congregation commemorated those Old Vigornians who had lost their lives in 1914 and 1944, with current King’s CCF cadets solemnly calling out each individual’s name and details, from their positions around the Cathedral.

This year’s service included the inaugural performance of an anthem, Before Action, that had been written for the School Choir specifically for this service by local composer and King’s parent, Hilgrove Kenrick, which you can listen to HERE. Hilgrove is an award-winning composer and producer for film, television & games alongside sacred and secular choral works.

Director of Music at King’s, Simon Taranczuk (Hon OV), explained, “The words of the anthem were from a poem written by W N Hodgson just a few weeks before he was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. In February 2025, the Choir will perform the anthem during the evening ceremony at the Menin Gate during the Music Tour to Belgium. We thank Hilgrove for this beautiful piece.”

Remembrance 2024 Dr Alison Oliver, Hilgrove Kenrick and Simon Taranczuk

Following the service, the Acting Head, Dr Oliver (Hon OV) welcomed the guests of the School to a Reception in Hostel House. The guests included OVs and Hon OVs from across the generations including OVs currently serving and retired from the Armed Forces.