Harton Away

Forty four students from year ten left South Shields on the 11th July for a five day visit of Belgium and France.  The main purpose of the visit was to see first hand the battlefields of world war one and pay respects to those who fought and lost their lives in the 1914-1918 First World War. 

The first Hotel was at Ypres, the scene of years of fighting and almost complete destruction by 1918.  Ypres has been completely re-built and is the home of the Menin Gate where the Last Post Ceremony takes place every evening.  Several year ten girls took part in the ceremony, laying a wreath of remembrance from Harton Technology College, wearing their uniform and proudly representing the school in what is an extremely moving ceremony witnessed by hundreds of people from around the world.

Visits took place to several cemeteries and scenes of fighting such as Sanctuary Wood, the Tyne Cot British Cemetery, Essex Farm and Langemark German Cemetery,  A highlight of the visit was the museum in Ypres, ‘In Flanders Fields’.  After travelling South to the Somme area further visits took place at Newfoundland Park and the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.  Perhaps the most moving part of the visit was the discovery of relatives by the year ten children which made the experience very personal and something they will never forget.

The trip ended with a two night stay in Paris, soaking up the Parisian culture, visiting the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and many other sights.  As it was Bastille Day, the students were able to see how the French celebrated this national holiday.  A trip down the river Seine and some French food completed this excellent experience for all.