It was a once-in-a-millennium event watched by millions around the world, and ten De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) students played their part in preparing Leicester Cathedral for the burial of Richard III.
The students were invited to assist with the spectacular flower arrangements that set the scene at the Cathedral after DMU Square Mile, the university’s public engagement project, offered volunteering opportunities with Royal Florist Rosemary Hughes.
Rosemary, from Anstey, on the outskirts of Leicester, had previously prepared flowers that were bought by thousands of people who visited Leicester Cathedral to catch a glimpse of the royal coffin before the reinterment.
Those who had bought the white roses complete with Richard III decorations left them lying in the grounds of the Cathedral where they were then collected and re-arranged for yesterday’s reburial service.
Rebecca Griffith, one of the DMU volunteers and a first year Medical Science student, said: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I simply couldn’t miss out on. When am I going to get the chance to be involved in a Royal reburial again?”
Rebecca, from Leicester, added: “As someone who is local to Leicester this was something that made me feel really proud to be a part of, and I’m so thankful to DMU Square Mile for letting me be involved.
“It was really exciting taking part but now it’s finished with it’s all a bit sad, especially given the huge build-up that there’s been recently.”
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Amina Mohammed, who studies MA Diplomacy and World Order, said: “I was really proud to be involved in Richard III’s funeral. This is something that I will always be able to say that I was a part of and that is a really nice feeling.”
Amy White, Square Mile Projects & Outreach Coordinator, said: “The reinterment of Richard III has been a historic occasion for Leicester and it’s brilliant that DMU students have been able to get involved in such a big event happening on their doorstep.
“It’s a great reflection on Square Mile that we get invited to take part in things like this because it’s what we’re all about, having an impact in the community.
“For those that got to be involved it’s just an amazing experience - one which I’m sure they won’t be forgetting in a hurry.”
Students involved in the flower arrangements for Richard III’s reburial is not the only link DMU holds with the last Plantagenet King,.
DMU graduate Perin Towlson designed and created the ceramic pots into which soil samples from the places he was born, lived and died were placed before being scattered around his coffin during the service.
DMU’s acclaimed Digital Building Heritage Group also digitally reconstructed Richard III’s lost tomb and Grey Friars Church, DMU Sculpture Technician Geoff Trevor created a model of the king’s spine which is on display at the Richard III Visitor Centre, and the Heritage Centre at DMU features the restored arches from the Church of Annunciation where Richard’s dead body was displayed after his death at the Battle of Bosworth.
Meanwhile, other DMU students have been volunteering at St. Martin's Square during the reinterment week with the King Richard Music and Art Family Fayre.
Posted on Friday 27 March 2015