BASILDON students from Beauchamps School and Woodlands School recently joined Basildon Borough Twinning Association and the Forget Never project at Lochnagar Crater for the annual commemoration of the beginning of the Battle of The Somme.

For the first time since the pandemic, members were able to meet again with old friends from Basildon's twin towns of Heiligenhaus, Germany and Meaux, France. New connections were made as well as new friendships which is the aim of twinning.

The Lochnagar Crater, created when a mine was exploded on 1 July 1916, is owned by Richard Dunning, MBE who has been supportive of the Forget Never project and has allowed the Basildon group to install a lasting memorial to the families who lost relatives during the battle. The Empty Chair is now one of the most visited installations at the crater and the only one that has narrative in all three languages.

Mr Dunning gave a very moving and emotional speech about the work and legacy of the Forget Never project and thanked the students for attending. Essential maintenance of the chair was carried out enthusiastically by the students from all three towns.

A statement from the Basildon association said: "The students from Basildon were a credit to their schools and attracted international attention and praise for their behaviour and appearance as they were all wearing identical t-shirts.

"As a committee we are so proud as they were very motivated and engaged in such an important historical event and we will continue to organise these trips for as long as there is interest. If any other Borough schools would like to participate, please contact us at: [email protected]."