Young experts will pass on knowledge

PUPILS at a village school have been recognised for their work commemorating The Great War of 1914-1918.

The Lord Lieutenant Colonel Grenville Shaw Johnston, Depute Lord Lieutenant Major General Seymour Monro and chairman of Royal British Legion (Scotland) Forres, Eric Duguid, attended a ceremony with the Dallas Primary pupils at the village war memorial to mark the occasion.

Head teacher Mairi Grant said: "We were delighted to be nominated for, and to receive, the award. Our pupils have learned a great deal about the First World War over the years including; researching soldiers' names on the war memorial; trying rations; visiting Fort George; writing poetry and songs and creating war art as well as adding their learning to our history of Dallas website."

Head teacher Mairi Grant said: "We were delighted to be nominated for, and to receive, the award. Our pupils have learned a great deal about the First World War over the years by: researching soldiers' names on the war memorial; trying rations; visiting Fort George; writing poetry and songs; and creating war art ... as well as adding their learning to our history of Dallas website."

Lt Col Johnston presented a World War One commemoration certificate to the pupils at the school in recognition of their hard work.

The children sang 'A Hero's Song', written by Mrs Grant and pupils, before gathering at Dallas War Memorial where Mr Duguid presented the Donald Beaton Trophy for Most Improved War Memorial in the Highlands and Islands to Church of Scotland session clerk, Jean Sutherland.

Honorary President of Forres RBLS Seymour Monro, who helped organise the event, also presented a certificate to Kaye Boyd for her upkeep and flower displays at the memorial.

Pupils laid their wreath and re-cited poetry before Maj Gen Monro read the story of Pte Andrew Izzat, born in Dallas Schoolhouse and killed in France in November, 1916.

The Reverend Donald Prentice ended the ceremony in prayer.

P 7 pupil Jake Fielding (11) said: "Learning about the Great War is something that is part of our curriculum in Dallas but we also remember the soldiers who have fought for our country every year at our war memorial."

P 7 pupil Rosie Nordenberg (12) felt the last year was very special, 100 years on from the end of the First World War.

She said: "We learned about the lives of the soldiers who fought for our country as well as the lives of people who waited at home for loved ones to return. This really helped us understand how different things were for everyone during wartime."

Isla Franklin (11) from P6 finished: "We all now understand the war much better and look forward to future learning and remembrance celebrations."