The horrifying experiences of brave Huddersfield soldiers were brought alive by talented school students at a ‘mini festival of remembrance’ to mark the centenary of World War One on Armistice Day.
Over 140 pupils aged between four and 16 from the Almondbury Schools Community Partnership took to the stage at Huddersfield’s Media Centre to reveal heartbreaking insights into the lives of the men who died serving their country.
Portraits of soldiers lined the walls of the hall alongside delicately crafted clay poppy displays, providing a moving backdrop to dozens of mini drama pieces and poetry readings performed by pupils, which dealt with trench warfare and the thoughts and fears of those fighting and their families back home.
Amongst the most arresting were the pieces inspired by the poetry and writings of Huddersfield residents themselves, which were given to the students by Huddersfield Rugby League Heritage Project manager Brian Heywood.
Co-ordinated by the partnership’s enrichment activity facilitator, Jane Lees, and the learning social enterprise director Fran Perry, the showcase was the culmination of a series of workshops at Dalton, Moldgreen, Lowerhouses and Almondbury infants and Almondbury Community School.
Associate assistant head at Almondbury Community School, Sandra Quarmby, said: “It was quite an incredible experience.
“The pupils involved managed to not only put names to faces but give everyone an idea of who these soldiers were and where they came from, which has made it easier for them, parents and staff to relate to them.
“It’s been really fascinating.”
