The 2019 Commemoration Day Service was always going to be a special occasion, given that this is our 500^th year. 

One could not help reflecting back to the last major 500^th event, the visit on March 28^th of Her Majesty The Queen, and we were again fortunate to have lovely weather as Commem. started with the procession down Plox to St Mary’s Church. Our Deputy Head Girl, Kiara carried the cross, leading the choir, pupils, the Common Rooms from King’s and Hazlegrove and the Governors into the packed Church as we sang the processional hymn, ‘All Creatures of our God and King.’

As Headmaster, I started the service with the traditional bidding prayer, but with added resonance this year as we prayed for ‘the Queen’s most excellent majesty’ and for the school’s founders and benefactors. The Chapel Choir again beautifully sang the 500^th anthem, ‘King of Glory, King of Peace’ while the visiting preacher, The Very Reverend Robert Key, spoke eloquently about the importance to us all of firm foundations.

The pupils were all very smart in Number 1 Uniform, with their button holes, as they processed out of St Mary’s at the end of the service to commence a well-deserved half-term holiday, while Governors, guests, staff and senior pupils enjoyed the traditional Commemoration Feast in the Dining Hall. We ensured that this was a fitting way to commemorate 500 years since the foundation of this ‘royal and ancient’ School. Do enjoy the video and photo album from the day below.

Ian Wilmshurst M.A. (Cantab) - Headmaster