Autumn Reunion & Remembrance Sunday

Autumn Reunion & Remembrance Sunday: 12/11/2023

Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity where the school takes time and space to honour those who served and lost their lives in the Great War and the 2^nd World War, whilst at the same time wishing for World Leaders to actively strive for Peace. We were particularly aware this year, of current conflicts around the world – those where nations are in dispute with neighbours and for those countries who have internal conflicts.

As well as laying wreaths for these 2 conflicts, we listened to the names of past Grove Pupils and Staff who have died in the last 12 months, read by incoming Old Grovian Chair, Mr Tony Zammit. This year, we were particularly mindful of losing our friend and teaching colleague, Mr Andrew Crawford, who died over the summer, having spent his whole teaching career of 32 years at WGS.

Head Prefect Callum Hyland Dugbo and outgoing Old Grovian Chair, Mr Cadman shared our Bible readings, which spoke of peace and a change in how we see ‘our enemies’, whilst Head Prefect Lucy Lund led the intercession prayers. The Chaplain reminded us of the whole story of why we have a National Memorial in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to the ‘Unknown Warrior’, where the UK is just one of over 60 nations who have similar memorials, “Lest we forget.”

Sunday Afternoon saw some of our school Brass band, led by Mr Tedd, alongside the Chaplain, help the Rev Rachel Ford, new Vicar at St Peter’s, lead the Rawdon Remembrance Service alongside the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, local MP’s and Councillors, Uniformed Groups and Emergency Services, who all laid wreaths.

Rev. Drost, school chaplain.

Netball

The 2023 Old Grovians Netball team welcomed back a former 1st VII Captain, Laura Myers, as well as many other 1st and 2nd team members including: Isla Swarbrigg, Isabelle Teale, Rebecca Munro, Charlotte Slater, Molly Leslie, Clare Humphreys, Brooke Donkersley, Laura Myers, Annie Isles, Emma Ambler and Alice Berkey. 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 of the game was strongly dominated by the OG team; however, the 2nd team fought fiercely to bring the score to a more even playing field in the third quarter. The game looked even more promising for the 2nd team at the start of the final quarter; however, the Old Grovians’ experience shined through with a series of clean interceptions across the court, which were converted by their fantastic shooting. Whilst the final score of the game was 36-29 in favour of the Old Grovians, the 2nd team should be incredibly proud of their performance as their cohesion was undeniable. The players of the match, chosen by Georgie Thompson (Head of Netball) and Katy Curtis (Head of Academic PE) were two OGs, Isabelle Teale and Emma Ambler, who displayed a fantastic performance throughout the game, helping secure the win for the OGs! Well done girls.

Rugby

On a rather wet afternoon the Old Grovians played a touch and pass fixture against a staff team. The staff team started off well taking the lead by scoring he first try. However, the younger legs eventually told, and the Old Grovians started to dominate the game through a combination of speed and superior fitness.  There was some great skill on show from both sides and some excellent tries scored

Last year’s Touch & Pass format was a great success and it was a little disappointing not to have more teams join us this year. Those who had a run out this year thoroughly enjoyed themselves and even this nearly aged player who is close to 50 than 40, enjoyed the event. I hope we can increase the numbers next year as it really good fun!

A.M. Cadman OGA Chair 2022-23 (87-94 & St 2001- )

Squash

It was fantastic to welcome back four Old Grovians to play in the OG squash match against our current students. The OG team comprised of more recent leavers, such as James Shoesmith-Evans, Finlay Wilkinson and Robert Mitchell as well as Russell Payne who left The Grove in the 90s. The school team consisted of Naomi, Callum and Hritik who are all in their final year at The Grove.

The format of the match involved the two teams playing the best of three games with the opposing side, resulting in a total of 17 games and 8 matches being played. The Old Grovians took the victory – 14-3/7-1, however, the WGS side demonstrated a strong performance against three experienced players.

It was fantastic to see that the Old Grovians have continued to play squash at a high standard at their university or in their local area, giving their own tips and tricks to the school players. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and we would like to thank everyone who showed up to play and support. We look forward to the rematch next year!