From the Headmaster
Her Majesty the Queen
We are all deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For British people, the passing of the Queen is a momentous event; one of great sorrow and a time to reflect on the long arc of our nation’s history during which she was a constant, unifying presence. Her loss will also be felt across the Commonwealth.
The seventy years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign saw immense change: progress, challenges and turmoil. Her values of resolute commitment to duty and of holding on to important constants, while adapting to changing times, resonated across the globe.
Over the weekend we will be reflecting, as a school community, on a life characterised by unstinting public service and integrity. Pupils and staff will attend a service of remembrance and there will be a series of talks on offer for pupils about various aspects of her reign. The Warden is writing to the Private Secretary to the Sovereign to express condolences on behalf of the College community.
Dr Tim Hands
Chantry
Space for Reflection
A photograph of the Queen has been placed in Chantry, which will serve as a place of memorial reflection and for pupils to record their own condolences.
Whilst many of us will be feeling personal sadness, our thoughts are with her family at this time. For those who wish to send a message of condolence, there is an opportunity to do so via The Royal Family website.
Chantry
Flowers to Honour a Queen
The floral tribute in Chantry has been commissioned from Hortus Poeticus, who regularly create arrangments for the school. Gillie Shaw and Fi Dykes explain:
"The flowers and material used were grown naturally and locally, or foraged in hedgerows to honour Her Majesty’s love of the outdoors.
We have used rosemary for remembrance; oak and acorns to reflect her strength and constancy; and roses for scent, together with the chocolate cosmos and the scented leaf geranium, the latter used in little posies in the first Elizabethan age for freshness and to clear the mind.
The colour palette of pink, white and lilac references the late Queen Mother to whom Her Majesty was so close, and whose favoured colours these were."
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