by R C. Colman
The celebrations of the 9th December, 1981 were far more than the acknowledgement of the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the buildings. The attendance by so many old boys, staff, parents and civic dignitaries, was proof that Prince George’s hope, expressed in his speech on 9th December, 1931, that the school would achieve more than just examination successes, has been fulfilled. The spirit of the school, of which the present Duke spoke during his tour, owes its achievement to all those who were present and many more, and is continued by the people who made the 9th December a day to remember.
My thanks for this occasion must go first to the staff and boys at present in the school. Without the tremendous help and co-operation of the entire teaching, administration and catering staff, the organisation of the day would have been impossible. Their enthusiasm and commitment were evident not simply on the day, but during the preceding weeks, when preparations had to be made in addition to all the normal daily working of the school. The boys, under the guidance of the staff, undertook many extra responsibilities and preparations. Their interest in the day and eagerness for its success were demonstrated by their excellent response and performance.
It is however, to those friends of the school who gave freely of their time and expertise that I would like to express my special thanks.
To P. S. Finn, Esq., Senior Lecturer in Catering at the South Kent College of Technology, his staff and students, for the excellent lunch.
To The Reverend Dr. Edward Hughes, the wardens and ladies of St. Mary’s Church for the organisation of the service and beautiful decoration of the church.
To Ken Ruffell and members of the Old Pharosians’ committee. Ken’s administration of the service and attendance at the school was an enormous undertaking and I know he would like to thank those O. P.s who helped.
To Reg Leppard who made such an efficient and splendid M. C.
To members of the committee of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association who helped to make the Dinner and Dance in the evening such a success.