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popular and over 60 pupils chose to get
confirmed. The first service in School was
on Sunday 8th February with Colin
Fletcher, the Bishop of Dorchester,
officiating. A second service, in the Summer
Term, was led by the retired Bishop of
Warrington, David Jennings, and a Catholic
confirmation service took place at the
Church of St Gregory and St Augustine,
led by Bishop William Kenney. These were
moving and inspiring events, not only for
the candidates, but also for their friends and
family. On the 20th March we gathered for
a Service of Commemoration for Fran
Prichard, who served the school as teacher
for 35 years and Housemaster of Sing’s for
14 years. Those who spoke painted a vivid
picture of a man who contributed so much
to the life of the School, and his life was
celebrated with dignity and gratitude. The
term ended with a Passiontide Service of
Music and Readings in a candlelit Chapel.
The Summer Term featured a series called
“Give me strength” in which we encouraged
pupils to consider sources of strength they
could draw upon in the stressful
environment of the exam term. Former
Chaplain and Senior Housemaster, Andrew
Wright OSE, returned to share some
thoughts with us now that he is heading up
the international Mission to Seafarers; it was
good to see him back at Teddies. Another
highlight of the term was Chapel in the
Quad on the 17th May. The sun shone,
a band played, the Reverend Tom Shaw
preached and bricks were laid around
the centre of the Quad to symbolise the
spiritual foundations we need to build in
our community of St Edward’s. The
Baptism of Carter and Lillian Appleby
(children of Tom Appleby OSE) and Emily
Appleby (daughter of Joe Appleby OSE)
was held in the Chapel as were three
weddings: Lottie Hiner OSE to Michael
Baker, Laura Addison (one of our ballet
teachers) to Charlie Shillito and Emma
Hamilton OSE to Paul Melling. All were
joyful family occasions. With the Ad
Itinerarium we bade farewell to another
group of Leavers, hoping that they flourish
in life and carry something of the faith and
peace of Chapel in their hearts as they grow.