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Moments Across the Year
IN OCTOBER 2021, OUR ANNUAL ADMISSIONS DAY WAS HELD AT GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
To ensure those who joined the School during Covid restrictions were able to participate in this rite of passage, pupils who joined King Edward’s in 2020, as well as 2021, were formally admitted to the School. The event was held in Guildford Cathedral to accommodate nearly double the pupils and families than in previous years. Alderman Sir Peter Estlin shared special memories of his own Admissions Day ceremony with an audience made up of four year groups from across the School, as well as parents and staff. The ceremony was spectacular and featured singing from our Chapel Choir.
BRIDEWELL COMMUNITY DAY AND PROMS 2022
On Saturday 25th June, Bridewell Community Day took place, and the wider King Edward’s community joined together in what was a fun and sociable day. Current KESW and Barrow Hills pupils and families, staff from both Schools and their families, and all Old Witleians were invited to attend. The Community Day is one of the School’s most significant fundraising events of the year with the proceeds supporting Foundation pupils. We were thrilled to finally bring the day to fruition as the pandemic delayed the event in the previous two years. The event was organised around a cricket match between current pupils, Old Witleians and Staff. After what was a gruelling match, the Old Witleians were victorious but it is fair to say there was a great effort from both sides. Vendor stalls were dotted around Upper Gurdon’s field as local artists and vendors came to showcase their work. There was plenty of food and drink on hand and an ice cream van for those who fancied a sweet treat! The event also provided an opportunity for guests to take part in a silent auction, with some amazing prizes as well as fantastic raffle prizes. Make plans to join us in 2023!
A FOND FAREWELL TO MRS JANET TODD
After over 35 years at King Edward’s, Mrs Janet Todd retired in the 2022 Spring Term. Mrs Todd held a variety of positions: Modern Foreign Language teacher, Tudor Matron, an evening and weekend tutor, Home Economics teacher to cover maternity leave, 6 years as Ridley Matron when her husband, Mr Stuart Todd was Housemaster and finally almost 16 years in the Exams Office. Mr Todd retired several years ago but continued to support Mrs Todd during exam periods. The Todd’s son, Matthew Todd, was a pupil at King Edward’s from 2002 - 2006.
NEW KING EDWARD’S BRANDED MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE
The KESW Shop, located in The Sewing Room continue to expand their KESW merchandise range. The latest additions are King Edward’s tote bags (£12) and House mugs (£5). All profits from memorabilia sales are directed to the Bridewell Royal Hospital Foundation, incorporating King Edward’s Witley, to fund bursaries for our Foundation pupils. Memorabilia can be collected from the School or sent via tracked post. Orders can be placed by calling or emailing the Development Office.
On Thursday 23rd June, members of the 1553 Guild met for their annual gathering at King Edward’s. They enjoyed welcome drinks in the Quad before progressing into the Selborne Room for a sumptuous lunch joined by the newly elected Prefects. After lunch and before the speeches, they were entertained by our talented music scholars before the unveiling of a portrait of our Vice President, Alderman Sir Peter Estlin. The Treasurer, Mrs Justine Voisin, warmly thanked Sir Peter in her address for his dedication to King Edward’s and his service as the former Treasurer. The Head Boy and Head Girl unveiled the magnificent portrait of Sir Peter dressed in his Lord Mayor of the City of London robes and chain of office. The portrait will hang permanently in the Selborne Room alongside four former Treasurers and two former Presidents, one of whom, Sir James Sanderson, is similarly attired in his Lord Mayoral robes from 1793.
