YOUNG and old have been brought together after students at a nearby college forged links with the Redditch branch of the Royal British Legion.
Hunters Hill College at Blackwell between Bromsgrove and Redditch have benefited from a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund which has enabled them to work with veterans from the Redditch branch of the Parachute Regiment Association.
Students have been learning more about the armed forces, visiting different war museums, and researching and celebrating the heroism of the soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross during the Battle of Arnhem.
College co-ordinator Malcolm Barnes said: “Above and beyond the military link has nutured community, social, emotional and self-awareness development which the pupils have benefited from.
“We have seen some of the inter-generational differences broken down too, really boosting the mental health of students.”
Together the veterans and students have visited a host of museums as well, toured HMS Belfast as well as enjoying trips to Arnhem in Holland and the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres in Belgium where they attended the Last Post ceremony.
“Throughout the trips the students have spent time with veterans from the Parachute Regiment and two serving soldiers and they have interacted with these guests brilliantly, asking questions, using their knowledge to help, showing brilliant community support and making sure they fully involved with all the activities,” said Malcolm.
The school were also visited by Arnie Hutchinson, a 93-year-old World War 2, who talked through scrap books and stories of his time in the war.
“Arnie delivered an assembly which was extremely emotional and highly respected by all in school,” added Mr Barnes.
“There is more to come from this project and this will also hopefully support further bids in the future and help bring history to life for our studen
