Diamond Jubilee fever gripped Ratclliffe College once again, as children from the Nursery School celebrated with a splendid “Street Party”, whilst pupils in the Junior School enjoyed afternoon tea following by activities, which included mug painting and May Pole dancing. On Friday 1st June at lunchtime, all three sections of the School came together on the Fountain Lawn to mark this unique occasion in our country’s history. I say once again, as the school archives commemorate the last time a member of the country’s monarchy reached a similar milestone way back in 1897. On that occasion the College celebrated on behalf of Queen Victoria! An extract from the College’s midsummer archives may be read at the end of this article.
The Pugin architecture of the Main School, resplendent in the emerging sunlight and bedecked in royal red, white and blue bunting, together with the manicured Fountain Lawn adorned with the School Orchestra, provided a fitting backdrop to a most impressive parade and 21-gun salute by the School’s CCF contingent. Ratcliffe College is especially proud of its unique relationship with the Royal Household of Windsor. During his short reign before abdicating, King Edward VIII bequeathed the Royal Charter upon Ratcliffe College. This is now the only such charter in existence in the world, and sits proudly above the fireplace in the Headmaster’s Study. Much more recently, of course, we were delighted to welcome the Queen’s first cousin once removed, Lord Nicholas Windsor, as our Guest of Honour at Exhibition Day 2011.
The parade began on the South Terrace led by Major Balmbra with senior NCO’s and their shouldered rifles; their arrival signalled to the lines of silent waiting students by bellowed orders and the crunch of marching boots. All felt a huge sense of pride as the cadets emerged, marching around the Fountain Lawn, led by the Senior NCO, Joe Adcock, with the Union Jack, accompanied by the contingent colours.
Children in the Nursery and Junior Schools watched with eyes like saucers as the cadets stood to attention before firing a magnificent volley of 21 shots, the traditional royal salute, whose origins stretch back several hundred years to our naval heritage.
No sooner had the echo of the last rifle shot died away, than the School Orchestra struck up to lead the whole school in a stirring rendition of the first two verses of the National Anthem. Felicity Norris, Deputy Head Girl, then stepped forward to raise three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen, which was met with an enthusiastic response from the School. As members of staff and students gradually made their way back to lessons, all felt that they had been part of something quite distinctive, a truly unique event never to be repeated in our life time, and all the happier for doing so; and of course, looking forward to the traditional cream tea on the South Terrace later in the day!
The Senior School congregated on the South Terrace at 4.00pm, and were met by members of the Catering Department clad in jubilee dress and hats, ready to serve them their treats. Students were clearly pleased to be excused from classes 20 minutes early, and tucked into their scones with jam and cream eagerly! The excitement was evident and whilst some chose to sit lazily on the grass enjoying their special treat, many of the boys used the time for football and Frisbee! As staff and students mixed easily and chatted happily about the Jubilee or plans for the imminent half-term, others busily prepared the commemorative mugs that were given to all the students as they were dismissed. The mugs were well-received by all and will hopefully provide everyone with a permanent reminder of the Jubilee celebrations at School.
Thank you to all the Nursery School and Junior School staff for their preparations in advance for the children’s street party and activities, to Major Balmbra and the CCF contingent for marking the occasion in such style, the Catering Department for providing such delicious repast for all the students over the two days, the Housekeeping staff and other support staff who decorated the School and made arrangements possible, to Mr McCall, Director of Music, and the School Orchestra for the musical accompaniment.