16 November, 2022

Old Gowers back for Armistice Day events

By Elsabet Malmvarn, Head of Alumni Relations and Stewardship

The Act of Remembrance is probably one of the most special and moving events in the UCS calendar – and it is further enhanced by incorporating members of the Old Gower (UCS alumni) community into the proceedings.

We were delighted, therefore, to welcome nearly 30 Old Gowers and guests back to school for the Act of Remembrance as UCS observed a respectful period of silence in remembrance of the fallen on Friday 11th November. The ceremonial aspect of the occasion was followed by a brunch hosted by the Headmaster, Mark Beard, in the Gower Room.

Each year, there is an open invitation to all Old Gowers to participate as the UCS Foundation remembers those who gave their lives so that we could be free. It is poignant to see the names of fallen Old Gowers on the school’s memorials from the Boer War, World War One and World War Two.

We always seem to get lucky with the weather on Armistice Day, and this latest event was no different. Since the pandemic the livestream of the Act of Remembrance has also become a permanent feature. This has been very much appreciated and has meant that more Old Gowers could take part, from London, the UK and further afield. This year we had Old Gowers signing in from Southern California and Mauritius, to name just a few of the locations.

I felt privileged to be present at UCS on Armistice Day for the Act of Remembrance, led by the Headmaster and movingly accompanied by a piper and one of the pupils who played the Last Post and Reveille beautifully. Collin Gregory, Old Gower, 1964–74

Thank you, UCS. My wife – who I dated while I attended UCS, having met on the Metropolitan Line – and I attended via YouTube even though it was 3am here in Southern California. Peter Murnane, Old Gower, 1949–54

This was my second Act of Remembrance at UCS. It was very moving and an important day to bring the Old Gower community together with the school. It was lovely to see so many Old Gowers in attendance. Elsabet Malmvarn, Head of Alumni Relations and Stewardship

This was a very appropriate and moving Act of Remembrance. I don't recall anything similar back in the 1950s. Both musicians are to be congratulated on their playing. Colin Banyard, Old Gower, 1950–57

Attending the Act of Remembrance served to renew my personal 'act of gratitude' for the privilege of a UCS education. In conversation with school Monitors and Captains I was reminded about the balance this fine school has maintained between intellectual attainments, sporting activities and cultural pursuits. Edi Bilimoria, Old Gower, 1961–66

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