Colchester Institute unveiled a special commemorative structure, adorned with red metal poppies, at their Centenary event to mark the end of the First World War. The event, which was attended by several important guests, was held at the College’s Colchester campus on 7th November.
Tridan Engineering supplied some of the materials for this complex structure, which was designed as a symbol of thanks to all those who died for our country and helped give us the freedom we are blessed with today. The structure was created in part by the College’s engineering and manufacturing students, who spent many hours working on its concept and construction, learning crucial welding and fabrication skills in the process.
The guests that witnessed the unveiling included HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, Bryan Burrough Esq, the High Sheriff of Essex, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Caldwell, Will Quince MP and the Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Peter Chillingworth. Also in attendance were many military officials and sponsors of the structure, our company included.
After the unveiling, some individuals placed red metal poppies onto the structure as a sign of respect. The ceremony continued with a reading of “In Flanders Fields” by one of the College’s students. A bugler then played to mark the beginning and end of 100 seconds of silence.
The structure is an excellent example of community collaboration, with several local businesses supporting the College’s staff and students to achieve what was described by Lieutenant Colonel David Lord as a “very complicated piece of engineering”.
The poppies will remain in place for a couple of weeks, before being removed so that the structure can be used in the future to mark other significant occasions.
