Students thrilled to be involved with the ‘Gallipoli Tea’ at the House of Lords on 26.1.2016

Students thrilled to be involved with the ‘Gallipoli Tea’
at the House of Lords on 26.1.2016

2 February 2016

Dear Mr Crowe,

Thank you so much for inviting students from Reading College to the House of Lords for the memorial tea to mark the centenary of the withdrawal from Gallipoli. The afternoon was a resounding success, and the students were thrilled to have been part of this very special one-off event.

It was most fitting that we got to listen to speakers representing most of the countries involved in the campaign. Although very nervous, Kas was delighted to have closed proceedings with the poem ‘Last to Leave’.

The other highlight for the students was the generosity of Mr Randolph Churchill who was swamped with requests for photographs to be taken with him. He was in no hurry to leave and most accommodating, even with ‘selfies’ to be taken with him, and staying to talk to the students. This was much appreciated by all.

Here are some comments from the students about the day.

‘The chance to go to the House of Lords for this memorial was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a mixture of both sadness from the great losses that occurred and that are still being felt today by descendants, but also happiness as of the bonds that have been created from such harrowing experiences between countries involved. Fran Render-Britton’

‘I thought the day was a really special occasion to be a part of. I like how it focused on preserving the bond between the nations that fought and how the event was a celebration of friendship. It was wonderful that this was recognised 100 years later.
Elloise Walsh’.

Thank you to all involved in organising this super event. Please find enclosed cheque for G&DI.

Yours sincerely,

R Duckett

Dr Richard Duckett
History and Politics & International Relations Lecturer
Reading College