ENGAGEMENT
Reunite
Howard Moody OC: Let’s Talk
AND REMINISCE Our engagement with the Canford Community was again challenged throughout 2021 and much of it took part online once more. We were delighted to host OC Howard Moody B82 who concluded our ‘Let’s Talk’ series in late spring. He talked of his obvious passion for music, how this was nurtured at Canford and his hopes for future musicians as they enter in the world of music. Many OCs joined us and thoroughly enjoyed the hour talking to Howard. The conclusion of this series saw restrictions ease and we felt that it would be the right time to take a break from virtual events. However, due to so much uncertainty we decided that we would not plan any in-person events until after the May half term and indeed the latest government announcements. We felt reasonably confident that we would be able to host the Leavers’ Speech Day and Summer Ball and also invite back the class of 2020 for their Leavers’ Ball the day after. Forty eight hours of fun! Sadly our plans were dashed when the dates for restrictions lifting were put back. An outdoor Speech Day was held for the 2021 leavers only, with their parents and thankfully the weather was very kind. We were pleased to be able to recognise the achievements of this year group but social distancing was very much in place.
Speech Day 2021
Outdoor Shakespeare
We managed to host an outdoor event at the end of the summer term with help from the superbly organised Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Strict protocols were in place but they graced the Canford lawn in June and we saw the Canford Community finally come together. The performance was fantastic and it was so good to see you! The Christmas Term saw the start of our Reunion Lunches once more and we were so pleased to welcome the class of 2001 and 2002 to Canford. There was further disappointment in December when we took the incredibly difficult decision to once again postpone the 2020 Leavers’ Ball in light of the Omicron surge in cases. Our promise remains to 2020 and 2021 leavers – we will celebrate your time together at Canford in style. 20
2001 & 2002 Reunion
