Remembrance Event to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the start of World War 1

In this centenary year of the start of the First World War, a large number of pupils, former pupils, parents, councillors and friends of the school turned out for a special Remembrance Service held in Morgan’s school hall on Saturday (8th) to remember the 117 pupils and 1 former member of staff who died in the First World War. This was a very respectful and enjoyable occasion. Thanks to all who attended and helped out on the evening either by performing or welcoming visitors.

The group included:

• The Director of Education in Dundee, Mr Wood,
• The Lord Lyon of Scotland, Dr Jo Morrow,
• Deputy Lord Provost, Mrs Christine Roberts
• Chairman of the FP Association, Mr David MacDougall
• Chairperson of our Parent Council Mrs Kay Wilson
• Special guest Dr Sandy Cooper, father of former Morgan pupil John Cooper who took part in the First World War and who became a prisoner of war.

The evening commenced with an Intrada by our pupil Brass Band led by Mr Tonner and assisted by his wife Mrs Tonner. Dr Cooper read extracts from his father’s diary which gave an account both of his part in the war and of how his father was captured by the Germans. Dr Cooper’s readings made the Remembrance event so much more real to those present as did the presence of Kate Young and Libby Simpson, great nieces of Corporal Willocks another FP who took part in the First World War. Corporal Willocks sadly died in 1916 in France although John Copper survived the war and went on to become a successful Primary Head Teacher.

Pupil and staff performances on the evening added to the respectful atmosphere – Mr Bowser (vocal), Mr Dixon (guitar) and Mrs Gibson (flute) provided an emotional, thought provoking version of The Green Fields of France. Rachael Adams’ beautiful and haunting delivery of the Flowers of the Forest also added to the poignancy of the evening. Very clearly and confidently delivered poetry readings from Tayler Melvin 3C and Josh Harper 4M1 added to the atmosphere of the occasion. The playing of the last Post and Reveille (before and after the minutes silence) by Jamie White 4C1 and Mr Tonner our brass instructor provided a real sense of occasion and Reverend McLaren led the assembled group in thoughtful prayer. Boys’ Captain Victor Costa and Vice Captain Aaron Carlin laid the wreath at the war memorial accompanied by Mr Shaw and Mr McLaren. At the beginning of the event a slide show telling the story of the History Department’s War Graves visit in June provided more relevance and throughout the formal part of the event slides showing the photographs and addresses of those pupils who had died in the Great War. This helped to emphasise their youth and reminded all there that these young men lived in the streets around the school.

There are many people to thank for the success of this event:

• All of Morgan’s staff and pupil performers
• S6 pupils who welcomed guests at the door and provided refreshments.
• Members of the Parent Council members who also helped with teas and coffees.
• Mrs Simpson and the Music Department generally for preparing our young people and for helping to put this programme of Remembrance together.
• Mrs Quin and the History Department for preparing the readers, providing the slide show and who along with Mrs Simpson and Mr Anderson coordinated this very successful and respectful Remembrance event.
• The parents, dignitaries, staff, pupils, former pupils and friends who came along to support the event.
• Greig, the reprographics technician who spent much time preparing the excellent slide show of ‘The Fallen’ (This was also used at House assemblies).
• Morgan’s Business Manager, Gloria who organised much behind the scenes to make sure this event ran smoothly. Gloria also ensured the hall and foyer were suitably and tastefully decorated.
• The Facilities staff who prepared the hall so well and provided assistance as necessary.
The whole event really was a huge Morgan team effort and it was good to share it with former FPs and friends.