Events
Events
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Saturday 14th November Family Fun Day.
On what was virtually to the day 100 years ago when the first pupils set foot on The Green Road Site, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School celebrated in real style on this Saturday morning. Families and friends of past, present and future pupils flocked in huge numbers to the school when it opened it's doors to a multitude of displays and demonstrations designed to showcase what the school has to offer today.
The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a specially commissioned tapestry depicting the life of the school over the past 100 years. The enbroidery was created by Jenny Adin-Christie, a former pupil at QEGS. Jenny is recognised as one of the best in the world in her field having graduated from the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace in 1999.
The embroidery took over 500 hours to complete. It hangs proudly in the school library where it was unveiled by former pupil and Senior Mistress Mrs Marjorie MaCarthy, who in her speech, recalled the days of Major Ball and Mr Kimmins, before paying tribute to the school today on it's single site.
The design motifs and techniques were carefully chosen to reflect the theme of the commission. The iconic Green Road buildings sit on an arc of green colour representing the school's elevated position in the town in terms of both it's physical position and it's significance. This green mound is filled with archive images of pupils and tutors who have studied and taught at the school over the past 100 years. Key words representing the ethos of the school today, have been chemically etched by hand onto the glass which overlays the embroidery.
Mrs Macarthy and the Headmaster, Dr. R Wilkes at the unveiling of The Centenary Embroidery in the school library.
Friday October 16th Queen Elizabeth 1 Evening.
Lesley Smith, the Curator of Tutbury Castle, appeared as Queen Elizabeth 1 in the School hall.This was one of the events planned for the Centenary Year and it was most appropriate that Elizabeth 1 was chosen.
She posed as Gloriana, as depicted in the Armada Portrait, and took the audience through her lifetime in a most entertaining and informative performance, going back to the time of Drake, Raleigh and Shakespeare and of course the foundation of the school in 1585. Before Lesley took to the stage, the audience, comprising Old Ashburnians, parents and staff, enjoyed a buffet supper supplied by Top Nosh of Ashbourne. After the show Lesley mingled with the audience answering questions and posing for photographs.
Sunday June 28th 2009. An Afternoon of Nostalgia.
More than 200 people attended an afternoon of Nostalgia on Sunday as part of the Centenary Celebrations commemorating 100 years of QEGS on The Green Road. Ashbourne
The event was organised by the Old Ashburnian Society together with the school PTA, In the Main School Hall throughout the afternoon, Charles Hanson of Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers, conducted valuations on over 100 articles ranging from works of art, silver and jewellery to china and ceramics.
Also in the hall was a grand tombola stall, and in the foyer the school had produced a display of photographs covering the past 100 years, Many visitors were delighted to find themselves on an old sports photograph or a panoramic school photograph.
Outside, along the front of the school, on what turned out to be a warm and sunny afternoon, the Ashbourne Classics Enthusiasts (ACE) displayed 16 vintage and classic cars immaculately presented, which created a great deal of interest. While inspecting the cars the crowds were treated to music from the Osmaston Band whose members included several pupils from QEGS. Despite the heat the band played throughout the afternoon under cover of two large gazebos! Also along the front of the school the PTA had numerous stalls with traditional games covering the past century. To add to the occasion many had dressed in Edwardian type costumes.
During the afternoon Notty Hornblower and her team of models and helpers produced a stunning display of period costumes. The models, including children, moved around the grounds and conducted several changes of costume during the afternoon. In all it made everyone feel the atmosphere of the early 20th century and was appreciated by everyone.. One notable model was a former President of The Old Ashburnian Society, Ernie Allen, dressed as a Catholic Priest around the turn of the century, complete with bible and seeking confessions!
For those wanting a rest and refreshment, cream teas were served all afternoon in the Hall by Top Nosh of Ashbourne. Charles Hanson also provided 3 articles for a quiz to guess the value, use and date.
It was a most enjoyable and successful afternoon.
Charles Hanson examines a Ceramic Vase watched by members of the society.
Standing Left to Right. Phyllis Sallis, Ernie Allen, George Edwards (Society President), John Orgill, Bob Bryan, Hilary Coates, Dinah Archer.
Seated Left to Right. Mary Dear, Charles Hanson, Peter Sallis.
2 pictures of the scene at the front of the school with the Classic cars on display and the Osmaston Band.
Ann Young and Muriel Topping set up the Tombola (left) and the stall enjoying good custom (right)
Ernie Allen, a past President of the OAS, poses in front of the main door in the Headmaster's cap and gown as in 1909
Some of Notty Hornblower's many period costumes on display.
The school PTA enter into the spirit in period costumes.
Some of the Old Ashburnian Society committee with the Chairman of the School Governors and the Leader of Derbyshire County Council.
Left to right:- Phyllis Sallis, John Orgill, Peter Sallis, Ann Young, Dinah Archer, Bob Bryan, Mary Dear, Andrew Lewer (Leader of D.C.C.) George Edwards, (President of the OAS) Cliff Lewer (Chairman of School Governors)
June 3rd 2009. Society Car Treasure Hunt.
On a fine and bright evening 9 cars set off from the Shaw Croft in Ashbourne for the Annual Society Treasure Hunt. The event this year was set by last years winners, the Archers and friends, and took the contestants 18 miles through some lovely countryside. Villages passed through were Wyaston, Roston, Long Lane, Sutton on the Hill, and finally Ednaston where a supper had been arranged at the Yew Tree Inn. 52 questions were posed and this year new winners emerged with Di Steeples and team, who scored 93 points out of a possible 104. Everyone enjoyed the evening and there was additional excitement with the appearance of Linda Smith, who was at QEGS in the 1950's and has been living in Australia for many years. She is currently on holiday and earlier in the day had met up with Paul and June Graves, also from the 1950's who now live in South Wales, but were taking a holiday in the area. All three took part in the Treasure Hunt and were able to reminisce over supper.
May 16th 2009 . Re-Dedication of Foundation Stones and new Centenary Stone.
At a brief ceremony held on The Green Road site on Saturday 16th May, 3 foundation stones were unveiled. First, the original foundation stone from the Secondary Modern School was relaid and re-dedicated in the wall of the new school building. Dr Roy Bennett, an Old Ashburnian and former deputy headmaster at the school, paid tribute to Mr Payne the only Headmaster of that school and said how proud he was to speak at the ceremony.
The second stone which was unveiled was the re-lettered Foundation Stone first laid in 1907. The headmaster, Dr R Wilkes, gave a short address where he praised the vision of the Old Trust who provided the money for the new school. He also paid tribute to the early headmasters on The Green Road who developed a school with less than 50 pupils to one of over 250.
The third stone was the new Centenary Stone situated at the Western end of the building. The Head Girl, Caroline Brown and Head Boy, Ross MacDonald spoke about what QEGS meant to them. Both stressed the wonderful opportunities they had been given to paticipate and excel.Mr Lewer, Chairman of the Governors, thanked everyone for attending.
The ceremonies were attended by a number of Old Ashburnians including Mrs McCarthy a pupil, teacher and then Senior Mistress at the school, Mr Malcolm Beavis who had started his career at the school working alongside Mr Payne. Also in attendance were representatives from the Old Trust, local MP Mr. P McLoughlin, Mr C Lewer, Chairman of the Governors and the Reverend Geraldine Pond who read a special prayer at each dedication. Representatives of the school PTA were present together with the School Council and Sixth Form Officers. More photographs and details are available on the School Web Site accessible for this site's Home page.
March 14th 2009 : The Annual Reunion
The Annual Reunion of the Society was held on Saturday 14th March 2009 at the Quality Hotel, Ashbourne.
This years event marked the centenary of the school on The Green Road which opened to pupils in 1909. The Society arranged a special celebration and the Dinner was a complete sell out with 134 members and guests attending.
Guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Ashbourne, Councillor and Mrs Phil Chell, the Chairman of the school governors, Mr Cliff Lewer and Mrs Lewer. Flowers were presented to the retiring President,the Headmaster's wife Mrs Lois Wilkes and Mrs Marjorie McCarthy Senior Mistress in the 1950's and 60's. Many old friendships were renewed and everyone appeared to enjoy the evening in a very relaxed atmosphere.
Mr B Bates proposed the Royal Toast
Mrs C Hawkridge proposed the toast :- “President and the Society”
Mrs Kilmorie Edwards responded
The Headmaster, Dr R Wilkes spoke of the changes at the school since 1909.
Dr R Bennett then toasted the “100 Years on The Green Road”
Listed are all who attended:-
| Table 1 | Table 2 | Table 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs K Edwards | Dr R Wilkes | Mr P Sallis |
| Mr A Edwards | Mrs L Wilkes | Mrs P Sallis |
| Mr H Wilson | Mr R MacDonald | Mr G Edwards |
| Mrs N Alexander | Miss C Brown | Mrs R Edwards |
| Mr M Alexander | Dr R Bennett | Mr J Orgill |
| Mr C Hawkridge | Mrs S Bennett | Mrs L Orgill |
| Mrs C Dack | Miss M Dear | Mr D Archer |
| Mr D Bird | Mr C Lewer | Mrs D Archer |
| Mrs C Lewer | ||
| Table 4 | Table 5 | Table 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Mr P Chell | Mr E Allen | Mrs M McCarthy |
| Mrs P Chell | Mrs J Allen | Mr J Dawson |
| Mr I Bates | Ms M Allen | Mrs M Dawson |
| Mrs J Bates | Mr C Clowes | Mr D McHugh |
| Mr G Stevens | Mrs J Wheatcroft | Mr R Tuck |
| Mrs G Stevens | Mr A Coates | Mr P Thorp |
| Lt Col R Burnett | Mrs H Coates | Mrs J Thorp |
| Mrs S Burnett |
| Table 7 | Table 8 | Table 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Mr J Brindley | Mr C Andrews | Mr Mr R Dayton |
| Mrs M Brindley | Mrs V Andrews | Mr A Dilks |
| Mr D Lowe | Mr J Weston | Mrs C Dilks |
| Mrs V Lowe | Mr A Booth | Mr E Taylor |
| Mr M Allen | Mrs E Cresswell | Mrs T Calladine |
| Mrs S Allen | Mr S Harbey | Mrs H Godfrey |
| Mrs A Young | Mr K Guy | Mrs G Creasey |
| Mr W Young | Mr B Smith | Mr N Simpson |
| Mr C Salt | Mrs J Piper | |
| Mrs P Salt | Mr C Bunting | |
| Mr D Brierley | ||
| Mrs P Brierley |
| Table 10 | Table 11 | Table 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs D Steeples | Mr B Bates | Mr R Reid |
| Mrs L Lee | Mrs T Murray-Smith | Mrs R Reid |
| Mr L Lee | Mr T Murray-Smith | Mr M Marsh |
| Mrs A Adams | Mr N Jackson | Mrs E Marsh |
| Mrs B Daniels | Mr A Birch | Mr M Burrow |
| Mrs M Mansfield | Mrs M Birch | Mrs E Burrow |
| Mrs C Shipley | Mr R Forrester | Mr T Hawksworth |
| Mrs S Redshaw | Mrs W Forrester | Mrs T Hawksworth |
| Mrs P Wymer | Mr P Hopewell | Mr P Reep |
| Mrs C Hopewell | Mrs J Reep | |
| Mrs M Liversedge | Mr D Mart | |
| Mrs D Mart |
| Table 13 | Table 14 |
|---|---|
| Mr G Williams | Mr A Wint |
| Mrs M Williams | Mrs D Wheatcroft |
| Mr B Bruce | Mr G Wheatcroft |
| Mr A Edge | Mr R Bryan |
| Mrs E Edge | Miss M Kent |
| Mr L Gallimore | Mrs M Topping |
| Mrs L Gallimore | Mr K Russell |
| Mr M Flinton | Mrs D Banks |
| Mrs M Flinton | Mrs G Baimbridge |
| Mr C Harris | Mrs J Wintle |
| Mrs C Harris | Mr J Skerrett Smith |
| Mr S Marshall | Mr J Williams |
October 24th : Reunion of Class of 1951
Friday October 24th was a very exciting and memorable day for those who attended the School's 1951 Class Reunion. People had travelled near and far to be there, one even flying over from Canada to attend. For many it was the first time they had met since those school days of the 50's and the excitement built as old friends were recognised. The main highlights of the day were a tour of the school's old buildings, which brought back many fond memories, followed by a superb lunch at the Peveril of Peak Hotel
Group pictured at the Peveril (Reproduced by kind permission of the Ashbourne News Telegraph)
Back row-Left to right. Richard Goodall, Brian Slater, Brian Hayes, Patrick Gadsby, Charles Clowes, Chris Johnson, Ian Brown, David Bird, Paul Cotterill, Christine Almond, Andrew Thompson.
Front row-Left to right. Ann Daker, Ruth Sales, Hazel Whitton, Miss Clout (teacher in the 50's) Pat Goodall, Pat Sutton, Gillian Bennett, Susan Gadsby,Teresa Calladine, Graham Richardson, Hazel Calladine, Ron Daykin, Norman Simpson, Peter Hallam
Seated- Miss Burt (teacher 1950's) Mrs MacCarthy (Deputy Head 1950's) Jonothan Weston.
Meeting up with school friends after all those years may seem daunting at first, but it was amazing how quickly people recognised each other and conversations flowed. It was very late in the afternoon when the last ones left for home.
The reunion was organised by the Society Membership Secretary Ann Young (Daker). Ann's contact details are elsewhere on the web site.
