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14 May 2020
Talbot Heath school birthdays are always special, but the celebrations for its 134th year were unique, as, for the first time in the school’s history, the community celebrated its birthday together virtually.
Despite the lockdown measures, the school welcomed more people to the birthday service than ever before, with almost 600 families, and over 1000 members of the community, from across the globe, participating in the service on their screens. Former pupils and staff, as well as current members, joined together for the prayers of thanksgiving and hymns; there was a virtual processional hymn to the Lily Pond Quad, and former pupils shared their fond memories of the school through personal video diaries.
In her birthday address, Angharad Holloway spoke of the school’s founder, Mary Broad, stating how, she was a redoubtable and pioneering woman: ‘She would be delighted by the way the school has risen to the current situation and challenge, resolute in our determination to lead the way and blaze a trail. She would admire our ambition in recreating our processional hymn virtually through the wonders of technology and would revel in the ingenuity and creativity of the community in the face of adversity.’
The service ended with the traditional cutting of the birthday cake, which was expertly made by senior pupil Katherine. The Head, wished everyone a happy 134th birthday, adding, ‘I am proud of the wonderful sense of community the school has displayed in such challenging circumstances. We are always together, even when apart.’
