Never Such Innocence at the Ministry of Defence

Students from Larbert High School performing their brilliant song ‘life in colour’ - what talented musicians!

NSI were joined at the historic Ministry of Defence Main Building by pupils from across the UK. The nine schools represented were as follows: St Joseph's Primary School, Army Foundation College Harrogate, Birkdale School, Royal School Armagh, Ysgol Maes Garmon, St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Primary School, Mulberry Academy, Larbert High School and St Vincent de Paul Primary School. Students from St Joseph’s and St Vincent de Paul were lucky enough to take part in songwriting and poetry workshops prior to the event, with our brilliant practitioners Bethzienna Williams and Clive Sanders!

Following time for lunch, rehearsals, and a tour of Henry VIII’s wine cellar, the young people and other esteemed guests were seated, ready for the NSI Roadshow to commence. After a welcome to the venue from Lt Col Elisabeth Roberts, Lady Lucy French OBE — Founder and CEO of Never Such Innocence — took to the stage. Lucy discussed the origins of Never Such Innocence, the development of our 2019/20 international competition, and informed all of the young people in attendance that they had become a part of the Never Such Innocence global movement! Lucy also shared some special messages. The first was a video from the Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Nick Carter, who stressed the importance of young people understanding the ‘rhythm of history’. The second was a message from none other than the Prime Minister! 

Junior soldier Ben reads his speech, which won first place in our speech Competition in our ‘a fight for freedom’ bonus strand

As the event progressed, we heard a wonderful selection of poems, speeches and songs. We were also able to enjoy artwork from Junior Soldiers at AFC Harrogate, which was put on display. One of many highlights occurred when students from St Joseph’s were joined on stage by two students from Ysgol Maes Garmon, who played the guitar whilst the younger children sang an original song. Other memorable moments included powerful speeches read by students from Mulberry Academy and a fantastic song from students at Larbert High School titled ‘Life in Colour’. NSI Young Ambassadors Becki Pinkerton and Molly Meleady-Hanley were also kind enough to recite their competition-winning poems: ‘The Poppy’ and ‘Invictus is Me’. 

In addition to the many talented young people that shared their work, we were lucky enough to hear from Imam Asim Hafiz, The Chaplain-in-Chief RAF John Ellis and Max Dutton from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). Max gave a wonderful talk about the work of the CWGC, and shared personal stories of those who the commission commemorates around the world. Closing remarks were delivered by Lieutenant General Tyrone Urch, who offered words of encouragement to the young people present.

The event was truly unique - the first of its kind to be hosted at the Ministry of Defence. Never Such Innocence would like to thank everyone that helped make the day such a big success.