The annual Speech Day at Monmouth School took place on Saturday and provided an opportunity for the School to celebrate the achievements and highlights of the past school year.
Following the traditional and moving Commemoration Service in St Mary’s Church, the Headmaster, Dr Steven Connors, celebrated not only the best ever A Level results in last summer's exams but also the accomplishments of the students on the stage, in the orchestra pit, on manoeuvres with the CCF, on the sports fields or on the river. He singled out the enchantment of South Pacific, reaching the semi-finals of the National Sevens rugby competition, winning the Childe Beale cup at the National Schools’ Regatta, the U15s winning the Mercian League football cup, and Chris L breaking the school record for the most runs scored for the 1st XI in a season, 800 and counting! To build on this sporting success, from September, the Haberdashers will help fund a resident Sports Psychologist; HMSG and Monmouth School will probably be the only schools in the country to have one. The boys’ fundraising efforts were also recognised, together with the significant contribution they have been able to make to local and national charities.
It was also an opportunity to recognise the huge contribution the staff makes, and in particular, to thank those members of the Common Room who are leaving or retiring after many years of dedicated service to the School. A standing ovation was given to Mr Mike Orton, who retires as Second Master after 36 years at Monmouth School, and who has done so much to shape the lives of countless generations of young men. Special mention was also given to Mr Peter Dennis-Jones, who retires after 32 years, having led the Classics Department and been an integral part of the school community.
Representing the student body, Head of School, Luke, reflected on his time at Monmouth and tried to pinpoint what special ingredients went into producing a well-rounded Monmouth School pupil. Matthew then did some Straight Talking on the use of euphemisms in the English language and how important it is to understand the culture and context within which we communicate. Adam completed this section by performing Allegro Giocoso for trombone by Lars-Eric Larsson.
The guest speaker this year was Old Monmothian, Sir John Beddington, who was knighted in the recent Queen’s Honours for his services to science. Sir John has become one of this country’s leading scientific thinkers and is currently the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, advising this government and several other countries’ governments on scientific matters. He reminisced about his time at Monmouth, and the important contribution that science can make to society, and the need to base decisions on facts rather than prescribed opinion.
The Master of the Haberdashers, Mr George Pulman QC, then addressed the boys and parents. In a highly witty and erudite speech, Mr Pulman urged the boys to seize every opportunity going.
Mr Sheridan Swallow then wished all present a happy and relaxed summer. The Haberdashers’ Symphonic Winds played as guests left the marquee, a final practice before they left for a tour of Italy the following day.