The annual Speech Day at Monmouth School took place on Saturday and provided an opportunity for pupils, parents and distinguished guests 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, discussed the importance of ‘making a difference’.  He thanked the guest speaker, David Hitchcock OM, for the difference he has made to current and future boys at Monmouth School by helping to fund the Sports Pavilion and by funding a new Sixth Form boarding scholarship. 

The Headmaster then congratulated the boys on their achievements over the past year.  Highlights have included the Choral Concert, where the whole of Form I and over 120 musicians performed in St Mary’s Church, a captivating rendition of Macbeth, the rugby team reaching the semi-finals of the Rosslyn Park Sevens competition, the Junior Symphonic Winds winning a platinum award at the finals of the National Concert Band Festival, the chess team becoming the Welsh Schools’ Senior and Junior Champions and the many successes in rowing, soccer, cross country and golf.

Representing the student body, Elgan drew an imaginative and witty comparison between the Spartans and life at Monmouth School.  The Head of School, Ryan, reflected on all the wonderful experiences he has had at Monmouth and thanked his teachers, fellow students and family for supporting him during his time at the School. William completed this section with a lively, accomplished performance of Fughetta for clarinet by Gerald Finzi.

The guest speaker this year was Old Monmothian, Mr David Hitchcock, Managing Director and Head of Client Management for Europe, Middle East and Africa at JP Morgan.  David talked of his time at Monmouth School with great fondness, recognising the many opportunities he had had while at the School.  In the current economic climate and with the emergence of a highly-competitive global market, he urged the boys to work hard and seize the opportunities available to them.

The Master of the Haberdashers, Mr Bruce Powell, also encouraged the boys to try their best, and stressed the importance of being considerate of others and being a ‘good citizen’.  Mr Sheridan Swallow, Chair of the Governors, then wished all present a happy and relaxed summer.