On Tuesday 10th March, Barrow Hills children joined King Edward’s pupils to celebrate Bridewell Day, marking 153 years since King Edward’s moved from their original location in Southwark to the Surrey Hills.
Up early, the children, accompanied by Head Mr Oldroyd and Mrs Oldroyd took the train to London, arriving at the Old Library, Guildhall at 12 noon. At half past twelve, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, William Russell, and Lady Mayoress Hillary Russell arrived by Rolls Royce in the courtyard at Guildhall and were met by Sheriff Chris Hayward and the Sheriffs’ consorts, Treasurer Mrs Justine Voisin and King Edward’s Head Mrs Joanna Wright. They were escorted to the Old Library to join staff, pupils, alumni and friends of both the Schools.
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, William Russell, began his speech with the words, “Welcome to the City of London, or should I rather say welcome back within the City limits in King Edward’s Witley’s ancestral home.” The Lord Mayor handed over to King Edward’s Head Boy, Ben Dowson. Ben quoted the late Kobe Bryant, who said “the most important thing is to inspire people so they can be great in whatever they want to do” which, he explained, is exactly what King Edward’s Witley does.
Following a splendid Bridewell Buffet lunch accompanied by the King Edward’s jazz band playing in the Gallery, children and staff from both schools walked from Guildhall to St Bride’s Church.
At St Bride’s Church, also known as The Journalist’s Church, two gowned female leaders, Mrs Joanna Wright, and Mrs Justine Voisin processed in the footsteps of Kings and Queens, princes of the Church, leaders of State and famous men and women of literature and history. Here, our Bridewell Singers joined King Edward’s Chapel Choir to sing ‘Te Deum’ by John Rutter and ‘I was glad’ by Sir Charles Hastings Hubert Parry.
All had a wonderful day. Well done to our children for representing Barrow Hills so superbly and for singing their hearts out. Thank you to all the King Edward’s and Barrow Hills staff who put in so much work to make Bridewell Day such a success.
