Autumn Reunion & Remembrance Sunday 2022

Autumn Reunion & Remembrance Sunday: 13/11/2022

On Sunday, November 13th, we held our Annual Remembrance service and the Autumn Old Grovians Reunion. The day began with a Chapel service in the morning that was both contemplative and reflective. In the afternoon, there were sports games featuring WGS and Old Grovians teams, as well as other events for those in attendance. Overall, it was a day of reflection, camaraderie, and athletic competition. Below are the sports reports from the day as well as a summary of the morning’s Chapel service by Rev. Drost.

What a joy it was to be able to gather as a fuller community this year for our annual Remembrance Sunday Service in Chapel. The school choir led our hymn singing, under the guidance of Mr Tedd and Mr Crawford, as well as giving us two moving pieces by Henry and Malcolm Archer. Head Prefect, Will Wood, read from the Prophet Micah (Micah 4. 1-4), who challenged the Arms Traders of his time, to transform weapons of war into tools to feed the hungry. We also heard Matthew 5. 1-12, the “Sermon on the Mount” where the Beatitudes challenge us to live our lives in the service of others, especially seeking to be peacekeepers. The Chaplain offered an extra set of Beatitudes and encouraged the many pupils present, to live them out alongside our school values.

The Headmaster led our Act of Remembrance, where wreaths were hung from the Honour Boards which led us to the sacred time of our Roll of Honour, remembering those connected to school who have passed away in the last twelve months, read by Mr Anthony Cadman, our Chair-Elect.

Head Prefect, Isla Swarbrigg led our intercession prayers, remembering all who are caught up in conflict and violence, before we finished with the school hymn, Xaipete. – Rev. Drost (st21-)

Rugby

We were joined by over 40 Old Grovians for the Touch Rugby 7’s tournament. Four teams of leavers; Morgan (17), Worthington (22), Anderson (21) and staff all entered teams into the tournament and much fun was had, despite it being a bit overly competitive at times! Team Worthington won the competition with 3 wins and Mr Barr was awarded the Scott Eastwood-Smith fair play award for his suggestion to run the Ruby reunion in this format. We really hope that next year we can encourage even more old boys to put on their boots and take part. It was great to see everyone back together and to share some refreshments afterwards. – Joe Bedford, Head of Rugby (st13-)

Squash

It was excellent to welcome back 10 Old Grovians to play in the OG squash match against our current students. The OG team comprised of recent leavers to Old Grovians that left in the 90s and the student team included students from Year 8 all the way through to Year 13.

The format of the match involved the two teams being seeded and each player playing 2 matches against equivalent seeds. The matches were best of 3 games and each game was played to 7 points. A total of 47 games/20 matches were played and the score ended in a convincing victory for the Old Grovians – 10-37/2-18. Following the match, it was great to see the Old Grovians stepping back on court to play against each other and it is clear that many are continuing to play to a high level either at university or in their local area. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of squash and a great experience for our current students. We look forward to the rematch next year! – Chris Softley, Director of Sixth Form (st14-)

Netball

The 2022 Old Grovians Netball team was made up of three former Head Prefects: Lucy Worstenholme, Katie Mortlock, and Esther Bean, and two ex-1st VII Captains: Lucy Worstenholme and Kirsty Thomson. Additionally, the team welcomed back Daisy Culyer, Teah Colilles, Clare Humphreys, Natasha Whitcombe, and Josie Baker, forming a formidable lineup for the Old Grovians side. The school’s 2nd VII faced a difficult match with many of the OG players still active with their club or university teams. The first half was closely contested, with the Old Grovians leading by 8, their defence preventing the WGS team, from getting the ball into a shooting position. The Old Grovians’ experience showed in their clean interceptions across the court, which were converted by Clare and Lucy. Unfortunately, the second half was one-sided, but the WGS team fought until the final whistle. The match provided a valuable challenge for the 2nd VII and it was great to see so many recent leavers returning to the team. The final score was 15-38 in favour of the Old Grovians.  - Georgie Thompson, Head of Netball (st15-)