Yeovil College community honour HM The Queen in a special service of reflection
The Yeovil College community have honoured the late Queen in a dedicated memorial service, last week, led by CEO & Principal, Mark Bolton, and supported by College Chaplin, Reverent Ben Graham and three students James Holmes, Ellise Hayward and Hayden King, who delivered memorable readings and quotes from The Queen’s life.
Mark shared his reflections about Queen Elizabeth II, saying: “I believe we are privileged to have had the opportunity to experience the exemplary leadership that Queen Elizabeth II gave our country. I am saddened that we have lost that leadership but incredibly grateful that I was able to learn what the right thing to do.
“We have come together to reflect on our own thoughts about the Queen’s passing means to us and take comfort from being together, knowing that we are not alone.
“I admired the dedication, service, selflessness and humility in which she fulfilled her duty. I have enormous respect for that deep sense of duty that so clearly provided the drive to do the work.
“I saw repeatedly that Queen Elizabeth made the most of her situation, enjoying the moment, taking interest in, and caring for others, and having fun. And observing how giving selflessly, putting duty before herself, being part of something bigger provides the sense of purpose which provide fulfilment and resilience to be better for those around you; to be a better version of yourself.
“Doing the right thing, not the easy thing.”
Yeovil College Chaplin, Reverent Ben Graham, said: “If there is one phrase that sums up the Queen’s reign over the last 70 years – what would you say. How will you remember her? Reading the book of condolence here at college and at church. There is one phrase I think I’ve read more than any other – ‘thank you for your service’.
“Maybe the best example of this service was her military role in WW2. When she was old enough, she signed up for military service. In 1945 she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service. It was only military service available to women at the time. She was trained to fix and drive trucks. At the time she was nicknamed ‘Princess Auto Mechanic’. It is why she has been so beloved by the armed forces. Not just because she was head over them, but she served among them. She served them by fixing the trucks they drove.
“What would she say if we could ask her, how do you get there, and how do you keep it up for so long?
“We know what she would say, she would point us to her faith.”
Yeovil College Engineering students are also honouring the late Queen with their own engineering challenge. Students will consider all the great engineering inventions and advancements that have been made during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and will pick the one they feel has made the most significant engineering contribution to humankind.
Whilst Yeovil College Nursery students gave been reflecting upon the card they received from the Her Majesty as part of her 2022 Platinum Jubilee, which stated: “I send my grateful thanks for your kind message on the occasion of the Seventieth Anniversary of my Accession to the Throne.”