Staff and students at both Coastland College campuses came together today (11 November) to mark Armistice Day, paying tribute to those who served and lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts.
At Weymouth Campus, the college community gathered at the front of the college for a service reflecting on the history of the site and the significance of Remembrance.
Chief Financial Officer Phil Longdin spoke about Weymouth’s role during the First and Second World Wars, including the impact of the conflicts on the original Weymouth College. Apprenticeship Manager Anthony Cowburn, a retired Warrant Officer Class 1 with the Royal Engineers, also shared his reflections on what Remembrance means to us, drawing on 27 years of military service across multiple conflicts.
At Kingston Maurward Campus, staff and students paraded to the main house for a service, including students from the Military Preparation programme in uniform. Deputy Principal Tom Hallam and retired Lieutenant Colonel Andy Reid AGC (ETS) addressed those attending, followed by a speech from one of the Military Preparation students. Wreaths were then laid in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Coastland’s history in wartime
Both campuses have their own significant connections to wartime history.
In December 1914, the original Weymouth College was officially recognised as an Officers’ Training Corps for the First World War. During the Second World War, the college closed in 1940 due to the threat of invasion, with a naval base nearby in Weymouth, and its remaining pupils relocated to Northamptonshire.
At Kingston Maurward, the estate was taken over by the armed forces in 1939 for the duration of the Second World War. During this time, the house was damaged, the parkland was used as a petrol storage depot for D-Day, and the gardens fell into disrepair.
The services provided an opportunity for the Coastland College community to come together, reflect on its own history and honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served.
