A special tribute to Lyneham youngster (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

A special tribute to Lyneham youngster

11:00am Sunday 14th October 2012 in News

Friends of the late Jack Phillips, the 14-year-old schoolboy who died suddenly from a heart condition a year ago outside Tesco Express in Lyneham, have dedicated a plaque to him at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy.

The plaque, inscribed “Jack Phillips, An Amazing Friend, Taken Too Soon, 1996-2011” has been installed next to a tree that was planted in memory of Jack.

Teacher Jonathan Hill said: “Jack’s friends decided they wanted to do something to remember him, a year on.

“They decided to hold an informal memorial service at our Remembrance garden. “The plaque was designed by his close friends Nick Mazzotta, James Brown and Matthew Roylance.

“Despite wet and windy conditions, the ceremony was attended by about 50 Year 11 students, all of whom knew and were friends with Jack. Most were from Jack’s tutor group, but all the Year 11 tutor groups were represented.”

Proceedings started with a poem written by Robert Williams, one of Jack’s friends. It had been read twice before – at Jack’s funeral and at a memorial service in school. A minute’s silence was shared, and the service ended with one of Jack’s favourite Arctic Monkeys’ tracks, through loudspeakers. Mr Hill said: “Students welcomed this opportunity to take some time collectively to remember Jack.”

The service was planned by Nick Mazzotta, James Brown and their fellow students.