Hundreds of service children from across North Yorkshire came together for an annual Festival of Remembrance to honour members of the Armed Forces and to celebrate the contribution of children from military families.
The moving ceremony, which is in its 14th year and is organised by our service children’s champion, Angela Campbell, was held at Ripon Cathedral.
This year’s theme of “belonging” reflected the shared experiences, resilience and connections that unite service children despite the challenges that can come with military life.
The service on Monday (9 November) was attended by more than 600 children and young people from 29 schools in the county and commemorated members of the Armed Forces who had paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Children's artwork also took centre stage through a “You Belong Here” exhibition featuring self-portraits created by 355 service pupils from 25 schools across North Yorkshire.
Representing around one in 10 of the county's service child population, the exhibition celebrates individuality while highlighting the common experiences that connect military children.
Pupils from Carnagill Primary School also wrote poems exploring the theme of belonging, which formed part of the exhibition.
Our executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, who attended the service, said: “These services are not only a poignant act of remembrance, but a beautiful celebration of the identity and achievements of the military children whose families make such an important contribution to our county.
“Service children can face challenges as part of military family life, whether that's moving schools, making new friends or coping with the deployment of loved ones. This festival gives them the opportunity to come together, reflect, celebrate their experiences and recognise that they belong to a wider community that understands and supports them.”
Highlights during the service included talented musicians from Ripon Grammar School accompanying all hymns, while young members of Service Children’s Community Choir performed a choral rendition of “If You Hadn’t Been There” by the late Dolly Parton.
Our Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, who served as a reservist in the military for 30 years, supported the choir with a donation of £450 from his locality budget.
Each of our 90 members has a budget of £5,000 a year to respond to local needs by allocating small amounts of funding to support activities to promote social, economic, or environmental well-being in the communities which they represent.
Funding can be used for projects undertaken by external organisations or for additional services provided by the council. Each member is responsible for determining how they wish to seek approval to use the money from their locality budget.
Cllr Foster said: “This service celebrates the contribution that children connected to military families are making in the cause of our nation’s defence, global stability and peace.
“It offers a space for reflection and pride recognising not only the sacrifices of military families but also the strength and contributions of service children themselves.”
Among those who attended the event were senior representatives from our council including chief executive Richard Flinton, military leaders, civic dignitaries and education partners. Guests also included Deputy Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire Countess Peel, senior military representatives and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson.
Our Young People’s Champion, Cllr Alyson Baker, who attended the service, said: “It was heartwarming to watch and listen to hundreds of school pupils from our county who came under one roof to take part in the poignant remembrance service.
“This special service marks a key highlight in the annual calendar, and I would sincerely like to thank everyone involved.”