City of London Freemen's School Prize Day

City of London Freemen’s School, Ashtead

Prize Day – 6th July 2022

The beautiful grounds were witness to many picnic spreads on a lovely day which seemed to enhance the school building in its new pristine appearance. I was later informed that a large sum of money had been spent updating the school inside and out.

At the reception prior to lunch I had the good fortune to meet and chat with other livery representatives some of whom knew our Master.

A lovely smiling young lady who seemed very pleased to meet me was Catherine Bennett who now deals with our bursaries. We were able to chat at some length during which she expressed her thanks for our continued participation.

At lunch I was seated next to one of the governors who during some lively chat explained that they were having difficulties recruiting governors as people did not want to travel out of London. He also introduced Philip Johnson the City Marshall who sat opposite us. Although minus his plumed hat he still managed to look amazing in all his splendour. He did however confide that one of his spurs had broken and been replaced and that carpets were a nightmare for him. Fortunately not something with which I have a problem!! Lunch itself was in the form of a delicious buffet culminating in a rather large Eton Mess.

After lunch the majority of us made our way to the Sports Hall for the prize giving. The short route was lined with cheering pupils practicing for when the Lord Mayor and his entourage passed by. I noticed he kept wiping his brow and prior to handing out the prizes did confess that it was rather warm in the mayoral robes. Most of the prizes were given by the various liveries, ourselves amongst them. This part of the programme ended with a speech from both the Head Girl and Head Boy. A scrumptious tea followed.

My sense of the day was this is a school which had not only presented its building in a bright new way but also had a fresh business approach with new staff and titles. Whilst teachers and pupils have not changed, this is definitely a school with a mission and statement to present to the world.

We look forward to learning about the recipients of our grants in due course.

Liveryman Sheila Reddell