Much of the story of this term has been told via the medium of our exciting new website which is still to be found at www.abbotsholme.com. I believe that the new site is a great improvement, as it is far more informative and it allows you, as parents, to be kept ‘in touch’ quickly, but I would welcome your thoughts on our site so that we can improve it even further. Not only have there been virtual improvements this term but physical ones too, particularly the remodelling of what used to be known as the Old Gym into the David Snell Building, David Snell having been a much loved and greatly respected headmaster of Abbotsholme in the 1960 and 1970s. This tremendous new facility already provides us with a large open space which can be used for all kinds of social occasions, parents’ evenings, external examinations – and even gymnastics . Later this year, a twelve-pitch climbing wall will be installed where the stage area used to be, and the old changing rooms will take on a new lease of life as the home of the Outdoor Education Department, providing storage areas, offices and a teaching room. We are delighted that David’s widow, Delphine Gillespie, who will be accompanied by other members of the Snell family, has agreed to perform the official opening at Summer Gathering.
This term has been dominated by the death of an old Abbotsholmian, Andrew McQueen, in a car accident in South Africa. Andrew’s friends from all over the world came back to remember this bright young star on the day after his funeral, when a memorial service was held in the Chapel and a cherry tree planted in his memory next to the Music Block. Out of this tragedy, and amidst the sadness and mourning of the old Abbotsholmians, I had an epiphany. The young men and women to whom I talked at that gathering are what Abbotsholme is all about. These young people are our ‘product’; they are what we produce. These are young men and women who invested their hands, hearts, souls (and their parents’ money) into Abbotsholme, but it was worth every penny, every moment and every trial and tribulation in order for them to become the successful yet honourable and humble people they are now.
Sitting in the Rose and Crown at Andrew’s wake, experiencing this special moment as a proud Headmaster, I wished I could bottle this feeling, and drink sips of it when times get tough. At times this term, things have been tough, and I understand fully the difficulties of parents in this economic climate when it is my responsibility to ensure that Abbotsholme remains a healthy and vibrant school, and a healthy and fit business. I have to demonstrate educational and financial integrity, and as the Chairman has alluded to in his letter, some tough decisions have had to be made and implemented in order to serve the best interests of Abbotsholme both now and in the future.
Spring is a time for planting, weeding, growing and nurturing. As Headmaster this Spring term, I have been the gardener in Abbotsholme’s garden, and I am pleased to report that all is well. Indeed, all in our garden is lovely, and a bounteous, fruitful harvest awaits us all.
Heather, Meg, and I wish you a happy Easter. For some, this is a time to prepare for exams, for others, it is a chance to recharge batteries ready for another busy term. For all, it is a time to catch up with friends and family.
When times are difficult, just take a metaphorical sip of Andy’s elixir: the Abbotsholme spirit. It does wonders!
Glad Day, Love and Duty