Witchford Village College was built on the site of a former RAF airfield, which was used during the Second World War.

Just before Armistice Day we hold a Remembrance ceremony to honour the lives lost during the first and second world wars and subsequent conflicts.

We also honour those who flew from RAF Witchford and of those the ten men who laid down their lives for our Country.

All staff and students attended the service and we were very pleased to welcome a large number of visitors from the local community including Councillor Peter Cresswell, chairman of East Cambs District Council.

Ely Standard: Witchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDONWitchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDON (Image: Archant)

We were very fortunate to have David Martin, chairman of the City of Ely Royal British Legion, attend with the RBL flag and Laurine Green, from the City of Ely Military Band, who played The Last Post on her bugle after a two minutes silence.

Many students attended college in their military, scouting and guiding uniforms to pay their respects.

Students Maddox Knight, Mia Butterworth, Stephanie Faulkner, Matthew Willson and Abi Easey confidently contributed with their readings of some war poems and Grace Robinson gave a reading she had written.

Ely Standard: Witchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDONWitchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDON (Image: Archant)

The student leaders laid wreaths at our memorial wall and Thomas King planted some poppy seeds.

Tribute was paid to ex-students and parents who have been in, or are currently in our country’s armed forces, and who might soon be placed in harm’s way in defence of our country, our way of life and the freedoms we all enjoy.

At the end of the service, visitors were able to stay for wartime refreshments made by our students.

Ely Standard: Witchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDON.Witchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDON. (Image: Archant)

They were treated to carrot scones, spam sandwiches, cheese and potato dumplings and eggless sponge amongst other delights.

It was lovely to see Rackham C of E Primary School headteacher Bridget Harrison and pupil representatives from the school at the service.

Mrs Harrison said that it was “a poignant and respectively observed service”. It was the college’s first Remembrance ceremony under the leadership of principal Daniel Baxby and all students did themselves proud.

Ely Standard: Witchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDONWitchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDON (Image: Archant)

It is very fitting that three of our new student houses (Lancaster, Stirling and Wellington) are named after aircraft that flew from RAF Witchford.

Ely Standard: Witchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDONWitchford Village College students stand silent for poignant Remembrance service. Picture: JO GORDON (Image: Archant)