Following rain of biblical proportions on Saturday, the sun came out and shone on the Sunday for the school’s annual commemoration of its Founders and Benefactors. This was the first time that some of our guests had ventured out to an organised event since the beginning of the pandemic, making it an even more jubilant occasion.
The Chapel Service was very special, with the choir singing a beautiful rendition of the school hymn, Domus Pater, as the procession entered the Chapel. Thank you to the brass ensemble for their musical contribution throughout the service, and to our guest preacher, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway SCP, Lord Bishop of Ely, who gave an uplifting and amusing sermon.
Following the Chapel service, guests and staff moved across to the Great Hall for a delicious 3-course lunch. Over lunch, the atmosphere was joyous as many caught up with old friends and new friendships were formed. From Governors, Trustees, Old Bedfordians, parents (current and past) and staff, it was such a delight to see everybody coming together and enjoying each other’s company.
During their speeches, both the Head Master and the Chairman of Bedford School Foundation, Lance Feaver (69-74), thanked everybody for attending and for their continued support for the school. Gifts of all sizes are always very much appreciated, and, in recent years, it has been particularly kind of people to make provision for the school in their wills. Lance Feaver referred to the ‘Decade of Giving’ brochure (see here) highlighting how the community’s support has played a vital part in assisting the school’s development plans and its scholarship and bursary programme.
James Hodgson spoke about the strategic direction of the school. Whilst he was unable to share more information about the exciting plans in place on the day, they will be shared with the community in the very near future.
Prior to the Founders & Benefactor’s, on Saturday 2nd October, a decade after the refurbishment of the Langham Pavilion, we welcomed back donors for a pre-match lunch in the café bar, to thank them for their generosity. After the hearty lunch, the 1st XV went on to win in a hard-fought ‘battle’ against Eton – to the delight of our ‘home supporters’!
Thank you to everyone, who travelled from far and wide, to attend this year’s commemoration. If you would like to know more about the work of the Bedford School Foundation, or indeed become a member, please contact either Hugh Maltby (73-83) (hmaltby@bedfordschoool.org.uk) or Bev Marshall (bmarshall@bedfordschool.org.uk).