Pupils commemorate WW1

Included with the students at Banbridge High School are Principal Andrew Bell and Teachers Marilyn Donaghy, Robin Murray, Stuart Patterson and Emma Englefield ©Edward Byrne Photography INBL1449-212EB

Local Historian, Mr. Tommy McClimmonds, visited the school on Friday November 5 to help Year 14 History A Level pupils plant trees provided by the Woodland Trust, as a lasting reminder for the school community of those who died in the First World War.

Tommy provided pupils with entrenching tools to help with the job, allowing them to experience at first hand, the difficulties for soldiers in the trenches.

Pupils decided that a modern day spade was much easier to manage.

The Technology Department’s commemorative plaque marked the place of Remembrance.

This was but one of the many events, coordinated by the History Department, to mark 100 years since the start of “the war to end all wars “ in Banbridge High School.

The Art Department designed and produced a moving and insightful wall display for future students whilst all pupils remembered those serving or who had served in the armed forces by writing a name on their poppy which again formed part of a display.

Mr. McClimmonds also supported Year 13 A level History pupils by providing information from his research on a local man James Carson from Banbridge, who died at in the war.

Pupils used primary sources to produce James Carson’s blog, telling of his experiences from joining up until his death at the front.

The blog was updated daily on the school website running up to Remembrance Day and Year 12 GCSE pupils ran a House Competition for Junior School based on his story.

Mr McClimmonds presented the winner of the competition with a book, “Endal” by Allen and Sandra Parton.

This book tell the story of Allen Parton, a chief petty officer in the navy who suffered a serious head injury while serving in the Gulf War and returned home unable to walk, talk or to remember most of his life.

He couldn’t even remember his wife or children.

After five years of rehabilitation he was still severely disabled. It was Endal, a Labrador assistance dog who brought Allen back from the brink and gave them back their family.

Allen then founded the charity Hounds For Heroes, who provide assistance dogs.