Monmouth School marks official opening of the new Sports Pavilion

Tom Lucy, a former pupil of Monmouth School (1999 to 2006), won a silver medal in the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer. Tom, aged 20, is one of the youngest oarsmen to achieve a place in the GB VIII, in fact he is two years younger than Sir Steve Redgrave was when he first rowed in the Olympics in 1984.

Tom learnt to row at Monmouth School where he showed remarkable promise. He made his senior GB debut the year after he left Monmouth, aged just 19, when he won a Bronze in the World Championships in Munich. At the first World Cup of 2008, he raced in the Men’s Four, substituting for an injured oarsman; the crew went on to win gold.

Tom was one of four past pupils of Monmouth School at this summer’s Olympics. Robin Williams (1972 to 1977) was in Beijing as the National Men’s Lightweight Coach. Eddie Butler (1967 to 1975), who gained numerous caps playing rugby for Wales, was also there as part of the BBC commentating team. While, Lord Colin Moynihan (1967 to 1972), who won Silver in GB VIII in the 1980 Olympics, was in Beijing as Chairman of the British Olympic Association.

 Dr Steven Connors, Headmaster of Monmouth School said, “ We are immensely proud of Tom Lucy and all that he has achieved as a rower. We know that he has trained hard and put a career in the Marines on hold to pursue his Olympic dream. We were glued to the screen in August willing him, and the rest of the Eight, to win a medal.” His rowing coach at Monmouth School was Mr Rob Howe, who said, “ The first time Tom showed exceptional talent was when he was just 14 and he pulled 6.38 on the erg over 2 k ~ for his age this could have been a world best. I was most proud of him, and recognised that I was probably watching a potential Olympian, when he rowed at the Junior World Championships in Amsterdam. He was cheered on by a school friend and fellow oarsman, Sam Trefgarne. We understand that Sam and another of the Monmouth School VIII from 2006, Tom Waller, were in Beijing to support him.  We hope that the Silver he won there will just be the beginning for Tom.” 

Archbishop of Canterbury visits Monmouth School to bless new School Chapel mosaic:

View coverage of the Archbishop's visit on ITV Local by clicking here

Monmouth School was delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, to the School on Tuesday 11th March 2008 for the official dedication of a new mosaic.

The Archbishop of Canterbury blessed the new mosaic of St David in the three lights of a former window in Monmouth School Chapel. The mosaic has been designed, created and installed by local artist, Dee Hardwicke, who is a fine art ceramicist specialising in richlycoloured and beautifully intricate bespoke tiles and mosaic pieces. Dee said:

“I would just like to thank the Chaplain Rev Gavin Knight, Monmouth School and its Governors for the opportunity to work on this amazing project. The mosaic started off as bags of terracotta clay and raw pigment. Each tiny piece of tile was cut and glazed by hand. The mosaic took 18 months to make and during that time the School was incredibly supportive. I would also like to thank the Archbishop of Canterbury for coming to bless the mosaic which means so much to all of us.”

The Triptych is dedicated to the parents of Old Monmothians as a tribute to their care, discipline and blessing. The mosaic features Dewi Sant the Patron Saint of Wales, surrounded by the local hills of the Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid, with a stream of water, sporting 12 fish running through the landscape. The Headmaster, Dr Steven Connors, took the opportunity to thank all those who had contributed so generously to the project; a large part of the cost had been met by the Old Monmothians, the Haberdashers’ Company, Friends of Monmouth School and private donations.

Reverend Gavin Knight, Chaplain at Monmouth School, said:

“We are delighted Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, accepted our invitation to bless our new Chapel mosaic. The Archbishop has always been supportive of the arts and we were keen to welcome him back to his native Wales. As Bishop of Monmouth and Archbishop of Wales, Dr Williams was a friend to both Monmouth School and Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls; confirming our pupils, ordaining the girls’ school Chaplain and inspiring staff and pupils alike.”

After the service, The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said:

“It is lovely to be back in the School to see old friends and new. I would like to wish all the schools represented here and the community every blessing. Renewed thanks to them for all they did for me during my ten years here as Bishop and continue to give to me through their friendship, prayers and support.”

Click here to view a video by Monmouth School former pupil, Tom Griffiths