Commemoration Day on Friday at Wellington School was an inspiring and evocative event.
The glorious sunny day began with leaving pupils and their families assembled outside the beautiful Chapel. The choir then processed into the hushed chapel and the emotional service was conducted by school chaplain, the Reverend Jeremy Hellier. The choir sang “Cana’s Guest” by Richard Allain and “I was Glad” by Hubert Parry and a soulful rendition of Psalm 127 by Michael Foster. An address was given by The Reverend Tregenza, the Rural Dean of Tone.
The choir then processed out to Sigfrid Karg-Elert’s splendid “Organ Voluntary” played expertly by Lydia Buckingham, a Year 12 student.
After the service, parents watched the Corps of Drums parade on the Quad before going into the marquee, where prizes were given and the past years’ achievements were celebrated. It has been a remarkable year, with superb academic, sporting, music and drama successes. There have also been an amazing amount of extra-curricular celebrations, including the historic trip to Ypres, Ten Tors, Duke of Edinburgh achievements, playing in the world famous Steinway Hall and theWW1 re-enactment and memorial service..
Parents enjoyed Champagne on the lawn before going into lunch with the leaving Sixth Formers.
After a quick turn around and a full re-dress of the marquee, it was back for a James Bond themed Ball. The dresses were splendid and the food and the band were exhilarating. . Huge cut-out figures and monstrous dice bedecked the marquee, and 400 Sixth Formers, parents and staff danced the night away. For those who have left Wellington School, it was a tremendous send-off and those who remain have the next year ahead to look forward to.