The Chronicle Autumn Term 2017

5 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

The Poppy Appeal Launch

Upper 1 has seen its fair share of VIP visitors this year. In the wake of the visit by the England Ruby squad in September, we were proud to host the launch of the Oxfordshire Poppy Appeal earlier this month. Two Puma helicopters flew from RAF Benson with Group Captain Hamish Cormack, Benson Station Commander, plus eight of our senior cadets on board and made a spectacular landing on Upper 1. As Sixth Former Nick Elliott ( Aldro ) said, ‘It beats riding a bike to school.’ On the ground to meet the helicopters were representatives from the Royal British Legion; the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson; pupils from Teddies and other local schools; and our guest of honour, WWII veteran Ken Hicks. Now 95, Ken enthralled pupils with his tales of dodging bombs in the Battle of Britain. Fifth Former Damola Otegbola ( St John’s Beaumont ) said, ‘It was amazing to meet Ken. We learn about these things in History lessons – but he was actually there.’

Alessandro Corrias Cpl Tony Hawke

Jess MacLeod ( Swanbourne House ) and Lila Pollen ( Kitebrook ) try out the hot seats.

Nick Coram-Wright

Cpl Tony Hawke

Alessandro Corrias ( Pinewood ) and fellow pupils enjoy one of the Pumas.

Nellie Bates ( The Brigidine ) captures the view from above.

Cpl Tony Hawke

Group Captain Hamish Cormack, Station Commander at RAF Benson, accompanied by our cadets, presents the first tray of poppies to 95-year-old WWII veteran Ken Hicks.