University of Bolton Group pays tribute to the fallen in Remembrance Day service on campus

Students and staff from the University of Bolton Group gathered to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts around the world at a moving ceremony for Armistice Day today.

The service on the campus in front of Senate House was led by University chaplain Rev Gill Smart.

She told those who had gathered to pay their respects: “We are remembering and commemorating military and civilian service, not only in the First and Second World Wars, but in the conflicts between then and now where our services were involved.”

Three poppy wreaths were laid at the foot of the flagpole in front of Senate House – one on behalf of the University by its Provost, Professor Zubair Hanslot, and two others by students from Bolton College.

Before a two minute silence and ‘The Last Post’, Rev Smart recited a poem, ‘There will be peace’, by David Roberts.

She added: “Service, the act of defending and protecting the nation’s democratic freedoms and way of life, is rarely without cost for those who serve.

“Physical, mental or emotional injury or trauma, the absence of time with family, or the pressures and dangers that come with serving, highlight why the remembrance of service is so important.

“We should remember all those who serve – the services, civilians and their families.”