The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
In the words of our School Chaplain, Stephen King: "The vast majority of her subjects cannot remember a time when the Queen was not our monarch. As a constant beacon of duty, honesty, service and sacrifice throughout her life, we owe her a huge debt of gratitude for all she has done, and continues to do, for this country."
On Sunday 8th May, the school held a service and parade in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The Parade formed up on the large parade square and marched onto the small parade square. The Duke of York's salute was taken and the drums were placed in front of the lecturn, the colours were placed over the drums to form the Drumhead. The colours were presented by the Colour Guard to the Principal, Alex Foreman. A Drumhead Service is a tradition in the British Army stretching back to at least the 18th century, when drums and colours are used to create an alter on the battlefield, or whenever a religious service is required away from base.
It was a rare warm sunny day as students and staff sang Hymn 78, I Vow to Thee my Country. The Chaplain delivered the sermon, Anton, the CSP led the intercessions, followed by the Collect and the Lord's Prayer.
Sons of the Brave was belted out across the square, as the Drumhead was disassembled and the Colours retrieved, these were lowered during the singing of the National Anthem.
The Royal Salute signalled the end of proceedings and the parade marched off.
The students and staff then celebrated the Jubilee with a BBQ outside the cricket pavillion and for once the weather just added to the glorious day.