Hundreds of Old Seafordians, parents, students and College staff descended on Lavington Park last Sunday for the first full-scale Remembrance Sunday event for three years.

The weather was kind, and everyone enjoyed a warm and extra special Seaford welcome. Cadets representing the three branches of the armed forces marched to the Remembrance service attended by parents, students and staff. In a moving service led by College Chaplin Fr Colin Datchler, the Seaford community was encouraged to reflect on the lives of all those connected with the College who had fought and died in the service of their country.

Major Andrew Plewes RM – Contingent Commander of Seaford College CCF, gave a speech during the service reminding everyone of how, in the light of the current war in Ukraine, fighting and dying for one’s country is not just something from the dim and distant past. The school orchestra and choir added to the thoughtful and solemn atmosphere, along with the marching of the young cadets and the haunting tones of the ‘Last Post’, played by Ben Staniforth.

It was wonderful to see so many Old Seafordians catching up with each other during the Alumni Lunch at Mansion House following the service. Headmaster John Green welcomed everyone back to Seaford, thanked the amazing catering staff and talked about the progress the school had made and how important past students were to its future success.

Old Seafordian Simon O’Hana said he appreciated the warm welcome the alumni had received and how enjoyable it was to “bump into other Old Seafordians”. “The School looks in great shape,” said Simon, “And the setting is as wonderful as ever. It’s pleasing to see the progress that has been made since we left in 1974/75.”

Many alumni stayed on after lunch to watch the Old Seafordians take on a Seaford College side in a mixed hockey game. In what turned out to be a hard-fought and exciting match, the Old Seafordians showed that there’s no substitute for wiliness and experience by holding on for a 3-2 win.

Thanks also goes to Seaford’s resident golf professional Jack Halsey who hosted Old Seafordians on the College course in the stunning late autumn sunshine.