Southampton Solent students to attend British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance

The University’s celebrated maritime offering, delivered via the Warsash Maritime School, provides a strong link between its staff and students and the memory of those who have served their country at various points in history.

During World War Two, the Maritime School provided vital training to cadets and officers alike, including courses for overseas allies, such as Polish and American servicemen. Cadets from the then School of Navigation also sailed in a range of roles, both military and civilian, throughout the course of the war, with thirteen sadly losing their lives.

With that background, and a track record of excellence in the maritime sector, two cadets will represent Solent at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 9 November. Seren Nix and Sam Ellison have been chosen based on their outstanding contributions to their studies, with both having just returned from the sea phase of their courses.

Seren is studying for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marine Engineering, sponsored by Carnival UK, with Sam studying for his HND in Nautical Science with sponsorship from Sentinel through Clyde Marine Training.

The Festival of Remembrance is attended by the Royal Family and will see personal testimonies, storytelling and wonderful music performances express the nation’s gratitude to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, Professor James Knowles, said:

“The role of a university incorporates more than simply education and research, we must ensure that our staff and students are aware of their surroundings and their heritage. This is why it’s incredibly important that we mark Armistace Day, sharing the key message of remembrance and a commitment not to forget the sacrifice that so many have made.

“Sam and Seren embody our key values of integrity, teamwork and inclusivity and I’m incredibly proud to have them represent Solent at such a prestigious event.”

Locally, the University will be hosting a ceremony on Monday 11 November in the Spark on its East Park Terrace campus. The service will be led by Solent’s Spirituality and Reflection team, with assistance from Warsash staff and members of the Students’ Union.

Pro-Vice Chancellor for Students and Governance, Jim Irving, will also represent the University at the remembrance ceremony hosted by Southampton City Council in Watts Park. Alongside him will be a number of cadets from the Maritime School, which is also sending representatives to the remembrance event in Warsash itself.