On the evening of 11th November St Paul’s held a special service to rededicate a plaque to honour former pupils at Ryhope Grammar school who were killed in World War Two. The plaque was thought to be lost when the school was demolished in 1988 but had been rescued from a skip and found its way to a car boot sale where it was bought and brought back to St Paul’s. The story made the local newspaper and even the local TV news report. The service recreated the original service in the 1940s which Father David was given by the family of one of the fallen following a chance conversation when his mother told a member of her church about the rediscovered plaque. That church member said it was her uncle who was the first name on the plaque and she had the original service sheet from the first dedication of the plaque. The family of Thomas S Akenhead attended the service to pay their respects.

Ryhope choir learnt the hymns for the service and sang them on the night. Some were old and long forgotten. With the help of one of our talented organists, Jan, the choir managed to perfect the hymns. There was also a haunting rendition of the Last Post played during the service. Reading out the names in the service was very moving, with the congregation picturing the young men who had had all of their lives in front of them before they were cut horribly short bravely fighting fascism. The service solemnly rounded off Remembrance Day in a very thoughtful way. 

By Elaine Shanks

Image:  Reverend David with Tony Bowler of Ryhope Choir and Councillor Helen Glancy who read the address at the service.