Tuesday 06 September 2022
Keswick School's Tribute to Her Majesty the Queen
The Queen has a very special place in the history of Keswick School. Over the last 56 years Keswick School students have attended regular assemblies, workshops and performances in the ‘Queen’s Hall’. This is the principle hall in the school. It was named in honour of the Queen’s visit to Keswick in 1956, four years after her succession to the throne.
More recently the Queen visited Keswick School on the 20th March 1998 to officially declare the school open on a single site. To mark that occasion a plaque was unveiled in the Howard Allen Sport’s Hall. This can now be seen alongside a signed photograph of the Queen in the foyer outside the Queen’s Hall.
On that special day the Queen was accompanied by Mike Chapman (Head) and Mike Pye (Chair of Governors) and met with numerous students and staff. The Queen watched performances from the senior choir, school orchestra and school production as well as enjoying lunch in school. She also met a number of the governors and trustees including Pat Branthwaite, Sam Hicks, Harry Pridmore, David Hodgson and Eddie Potts.
Occasions like this are special for all involved. It is no surprise that staff who were present in the school back in 1998 still remember the occasion with such fond memories. Therefore, as a school community we will come together and remember and reflect on Her Majesty the Queen and her life of dedication and service to people both in this country and around the commonwealth. We will remember the celebrations of the platinum jubilee and the way this remarkable lady touched the hearts of millions of people in a gentle, but astute way and with a wonderful sense of light heartedness. The Queen will be greatly missed by all of us but her legacy is in the huge number of charities, groups and organisations, such as Keswick School, who had had the great fortune to be associated with her over the years.