School’s centenary event ‘would have made founder proud’

MORE than 2,200 past and present pupils, staff, families, members of the local community and other friends of Canford School, Wimborne, gathered for a ‘Proms in the Park’ garden party to mark the school’s centenary year.

Guests arrived in glorious sunshine and enjoyed picnics on the lawns and reminisced –former pupils who attended spanned every decade from the 1940s to the 2020s.

Visitors also had the chance to take tours of the school, sparking old memories, and saw developments including the new boys’ boarding and day houses, new library and Assembly Hall.

Art workshops and lawn games entertained children and adults until the centenary music concert began on the outdoor stage with Canford Manor an impressive backdrop.

The orchestra, wind orchestra, concert band and jazz band, involving more than 80 school musicians, and Friends of Canford Music, played an ambitious and varied two-hour programme ‘Proms in the Park’ style.

Headmaster Ben Vessey made a special guest appearance on keyboards to start the concert, playing ‘Chariots of Fire’ by Vangelis.

That was followed by toe-tapping favourites including selections from ‘West Side Story’, ‘Mr Blue Sky’, ‘Swingin’ on the Moon’ and highlights from ‘Jurassic Park’.

The wind orchestra and concert band performed a special rendition of ‘Happy

Birthday’ for the 100-year celebration and ‘A Fifth of Beethoven’ provided the grand finale, ending with a firework flourish.

Centenary merchandise from water bottles and bags through to a special ‘Canford in 100 Objects’ book – compiled by the school archivist – and limited edition Anthony Eyton commissioned prints were on sale for those seeking a permanent reminder of the day.

Headmaster Ben Vessey said: “What a wonderful concert and garden party we all enjoyed on Sunday.

“It was Canford and its community at its finest and a perfect, fitting tribute to the school’s historic centenary year.

“The sun shone, families mingled and picnicked through the beautifully maintained and manicured grounds, and many fond memories were shared by alumni spanning the generations.

“The music was absolutely stunning from our combined ensembles and community musicians and went far beyond all expectations of a Proms occasion.

“I think our founder The Reverend Percy Warrington would have been truly proud.”

Director of Music

Christopher Sparkhall was delighted with the outcome of many months of planning by the Music department.

He said: “It was a privilege for our musicians to perform to such a large and appreciative audience, and to lead our centenary celebrations at ‘Proms in the Park’.

“There has been a lot of rehearsal throughout the year and I am proud of the hard work put in by the pupils in all our ensembles over many months to prepare for this event.

“They played brilliantly, and I am sure that the occasion will be one that they, and those in the audience, will remember for many years to come.”

Stone carvers set to demonstrate their skills

HERITAGE skills will be at the forefront when Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre holds a stone-carving open week starting at the end of the month.

Burngate, set up as a not-forprofit charitable educational trust, runs courses, events and other educational activities for individuals to get a better understanding of Purbeck stone and the local landscape.

It specialises in teaching stone-working skills including relief carving, letter cutting and stone masonry to everyone from complete beginners and families through to those with years of experience.

During the open week stone carvers will be on site every day working on a variety of sculptures and carvings and will be happy to chat.

Refreshments including Dorset apple cake, flapjacks and Purbeck ice cream will be available throughout the open week from July 29 to

August 4, 10am-4pm.

Experienced stone carvers who would like to support the open event, who can go along for a day or the whole week, should email info@ burngatestonecentre. co.uk for more information.

Burngate is in a unique location at the top of the hill above Langton Matravers with views as far as the Isle of Wight.

The stone centre is looking for volunteers to run the centre on a day-to-day basis, support the courses, and maintain the site and grounds.

“It’s a great way to get involved with the local community, meet new people, learn new skills and be in a creative space with people who are passionate about the area and Purbeck stone,” the centre says.

To find out more, visit www. burngatestonecentre.co.uk/ support-us/ or visit the centre in Kingston Road during the open week.