Staff and students from across South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) came together to mark Armistice Day with a two-minute silence and a series of moving remembrance events held at Southend City College, Thurrock College and Basildon College.
Across all colleges, students and staff paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, while recognising the commitment and courage of current members of the Armed Forces who continue to protect and serve.
At Southend City College, Level 1, 2 and 3 Uniformed Services students led a formal Remembrance Service in the atrium, attended by SECG Vice Chair Rik Olver. The ceremony featured a coordinated parade and formal drill, with students delivering commemorative readings, poetic tributes and speeches reflecting on the sacrifice of those who served. A speech was also given by Deputy College Principal Abigail Tranah. The service included the sounding of the Last Post, the laying of wreaths and a poignant two-minute silence, during which poppies fell from the balconies, providing a powerful moment of reflection for staff, students and guests. Following the ceremony, students proceeded to the Southend Cenotaph to continue paying their respects.
Year 2 Policing students also supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, volunteering at Sainsbury’s in Southend to collect donations.
Across all colleges, students and staff paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, while recognising the commitment and courage of current members of the Armed Forces who continue to protect and serve.
At Southend City College, Level 1, 2 and 3 Uniformed Services students led a formal Remembrance Service in the atrium, attended by SECG Vice Chair Rik Olver. The ceremony featured a coordinated parade and formal drill, with students delivering commemorative readings, poetic tributes and speeches reflecting on the sacrifice of those who served. A speech was also given by Deputy College Principal Abigail Tranah. The service included the sounding of the Last Post, the laying of wreaths and a poignant two-minute silence, during which poppies fell from the balconies, providing a powerful moment of reflection for staff, students and guests. Following the ceremony, students proceeded to the Southend Cenotaph to continue paying their respects.
Year 2 Policing students also supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, volunteering at Sainsbury’s in Southend to collect donations.
At Thurrock College, staff and learners gathered for a remembrance service. The event included readings on the significance of Armistice Day, a recital of In Flanders Fields, the Last Post, the national two-minute silence, Reveille, wreath laying and the Act of Remembrance.
The college welcomed representatives from the Thurrock Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, alongside student and Army Cadet Force member Rebecca Stevenson. Learners across a range of curriculum areas also contributed through remembrance displays, poetry, commemorative cakes and poppy-themed artwork, encouraging reflection throughout the college community.
At Basildon College, Pathway to Independence and ESOL students collaborated on a Remembrance Day display, providing a focal point for reflection and remembrance. Staff and students across all campuses observed the national two-minute silence.
A lasting tribute is also on display at Southend City College, where a tapestry depicting a serviceman and his dog, handcrafted over three months by Student Learning Coach Lynn Pearce, is now exhibited within the Public Services department.
Tracie Dodkins, Interim Deputy College Principal at Thurrock College, said: “Armistice Day provides an important opportunity for our college community to come together to remember those who gave their lives in conflict, recognise those who continue to serve, and reflect on our shared responsibility to promote respect, kindness and peace. It was inspiring to see our learners contribute in so many thoughtful and creative ways, demonstrating both respect and a genuine commitment to remembrance.”
Ehsan Naeem, Curriculum Leader for Sport, Public Services, Business and Science, said: “I am immensely proud of our Uniformed Services learners. The dignity and professionalism they showed today reflected a sincere commitment to honouring those who have served and sacrificed. For young people preparing to serve their communities, remembrance carries a profound responsibility: to understand the human cost of conflict and what it means to put the needs of others before our own. I want our learners to carry that sense of duty into their everyday lives, with the courage to do what is right and the compassion to stand beside those who need them. They have the potential to change lives through their actions. Today, they gave us every reason to be hopeful about the people they are becoming and the contribution they will make.”
South Essex Colleges Group is proud of the respect, unity and reflection demonstrated by staff and students across all its colleges as they came together to honour those who gave their lives for the freedoms enjoyed today.