Summer sunshine blessed Culford’s annual Speech Day on Saturday 23 May. The Guest of Honour was Old Culfordian, Mark Lowcock, Permanent Secretary at the Department for International Development. This red-letter day included tours of the new library, a £2.2million project scheduled to open in September, as well as a golf competition with PGA professional, Lawrence Dodd, a musical concert and chance to try out a flight simulator with Culford’s CCF, together with many other events.
Mark Lowcock left Culford in 1981 and is now the most senior Civil Servant in the Department for International Development. Working on behalf of the UK government, Mr Lowcock has developed particular expertise in East Africa, which resonated with the charity work that Culford Sixth Formers undertake in Malawi each year.
The Headmaster, Julian Johnson-Munday, said: “It was an honour to have Mark here as he has made such a great difference to the world since he left Culford. His motivating speech encouraged pupils to aim to make a difference in the world and to find happiness in helping others. I hope they will learn to do both at Culford”.
There was also drama, music, debating, an art and design technology exhibition, a tennis tournament in the championship-standard Indoor Tennis Centre and a cricket fixture against an Invitation XI. Guests were invited to explore the £2.2m new library building, now in the final stages of construction by Suffolk based builders, Seamans, and due to open in September 2015.
Towards the end of the afternoon guests were able to enjoy a traditional strawberries and cream tea on the glorious South Front of Culford Hall.