Chapel
by
Father MarkW
hat a special year it
has been for our
chapel! The
beginning of the
Michaelmas term
was marked by the
Installation of Mr Richard Biggs as our new
Headmaster in a moving Eucharist at which the
Provost preached and celebrated the Eucharist.
During the service Mr Biggs and his family
were welcomed warmly with applause and
presented with symbols of the life of the school
- many and varied. A truly happy day for
King's.
During the Michaelmas term preparations
began in earnest for the celebration of the
Chapel Centenary. First, due to the kind
donations from many parents, Friends of King's
and OA's we were able to buy new choir robes.
We also had the Chapel redecorated and
acquired a beautiful pulpit which was installed
to mark the occasion. A special hymn was
taught to the school, written by the Chaplain
with music by Mr Jim Campbell, our talented
organist. Then during the week of 15th to
20th March 2008 we marked the Centenary in
grand style.
First a choral concert on the Friday evening
followed by a Celebration Eucharist attended by
many special guests including former
chaplains, the Provosts, ? Mr David Exham
(former member of staff and former
Headmaster of Bloxham School) who preached,
Mr Godfrey Meynell MBE the closest living
relative of Henry Meynell who planned our
Chapel and Mr Philip Richards OA who spoke
at the service. The many parents, OA's and
Friends of King's were invited to a social
occasion after
the service.
Then a series of
organ recitals
during the week
culminating in
the orchestral
concert at the
end of term.
My thanks to all
who helped to
make the
Centenary such
a success.
At the beginning of the Lent term we began our
weekly College Eucharists for the whole school
community every Wednesday morning. These
have been well received. My thanks especially
to Mr Albery, Mr Campbell and the choir for all
their work week by week. It is much
appreciated and enhances our worship greatly.
My thanks also to the members of staff who so
willing assist with the chalice, the Headmaster,
Mrs McSwiggan, Dr Lewis, Dr Poland, Mr
Dossett, Mrs Chadwick, Mr Polley and Mr
McKegney.
The annual Confirmation also took place during
the Lent term. The bishop of Taunton, The
Right Reverend Peter Maurice, confirmed 25
pupils in a wonderful service. They are Freddie
Barker,Thies-Moritz Boening, Harry
Brimacombe, Alice Brooksbank, Bertie
Broughton, Freya Broughton, Matthew
Butterfield, Verity Clark, Alexander Clarke,
Henry Cunningham, Charlotte Davidson, Charis
Elphinstone, Michael Ellis, Tom Farrow, Mhairi
Hall, Oscar Harding, Sophie Hewitt, Amy
Higgs, Olivia Higgs, Holly Matthews, Will
McKegney, Rosa McNeill, Chris Morris, Ainsley
Smith and Lucinda Smyth.
During the year the Oasis group which meets
after prep on Tuesday evenings has continued
to grow and there have been some spectacular
and moving devotions by a wide range of
volunteers from the group followed, of course,
by hot chocolate, doughnuts and lots of laughs
in the Chaplain's study.
Our Friday services are now devoted largely to
talks by charities, members of staff and pupils,
as well as other interesting and inspiring
presentations. A few of the really memorable
chapels were a talk by Colin Javens who is
paralysed from the neck down after a diving
accident, a talk by Sophia Warby on 'winning',
Dr Lewis singing in Welsh on St. David's Day,
and a fun presentation by the King's
Sustainability Strategy. Charities we have
supported during the year from non-uniform
days and chapel collections have been
Children's Hospice SW, St Margaret's Somerset
Hospice, Spinal Research, Bath and Wells
Zambia Link, Gideon's, KCAP, Help for Heroes,
Brainwave, Samaritans and Cry UK.
Aluredian
12