Emailed to all parents and carers 23/09/22

MEMORIAL TO PRIVATE AARON MCCLURE

This week in tutor time we have been discussing the memorial to ex-student Aaron McClure that is situated on the wall outside of the academy.  At some point over last weekend, we were saddened to see that somebody had added some graffiti to the wall that was disrespectful and offensive in nature.  We have since painted over the graffiti.

We thought we would take this opportunity to explain to everyone who is connected with academy about the memorial and its importance to us and to Aaron’s family who live nearby.

Aaron was 19 when he and two other young privates from the British Army’s 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment died in Helmand Province on August 23, 2007.

The trio, who were all serving in the 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company, were under intense fire when a US aircraft which was called to help dropped a bomb on them instead of a Taliban position.

Aaron’s funeral took place in September 2007 and shortly afterwards, a memorial was made on the wall which is adjacent to Westbourne Academy. The memorial reads ‘RIP AJM’ as a reminder of Aaron’s legacy within the local community.

In 2015, a road and square were also named after Aaron. McClure Way is located behind the Ulster Avenue shops on the Whitehouse estate.

You can read more information here online:

As members of our academy community and the local community, we would ask for your support and vigilance with regards to the memorial to Aaron.

Regards

Mark Bouckley – Principal

Academy vision: Westbourne is an inclusive academy. We support all students, regardless of starting point, to achieve their potential and develop the skills necessary for employment and life.

 

Academy values: Be Safe, Be Thoughtful, Be Accountable and Be Respectful.

 

General queries to: wes-office@attrust.org.uk or 01473 742315

Attendance or Absence queries to: wes-attendance@attrust.org.uk 

Complaints to: wes-complaints@attrust.org.uk

Exam queries to: anna.fulcher@attrust.org.uk 

School Money and data information queries to: wes-data@attrust.org.uk