They battled torrential rain, high winds and the mountainous terrain of Snowdonia, but all passed the expedition part of their Gold The Duke of Edinburgh's Award with flying colours (and in good spirits!). Congratulations all!
More wins for Gordon’s Boat Club in the Staines Regatta, with a double success for Mimi in the Womens' Single Scull events in both the 850m and 500m. In the Open Double Sculls 850m, Ben and Tom triumphed in the J15 and Charlie and Robbie in the J14. Great performances all round, with finalists in other events, ending a fantastic season.
Tents are up, now time to plan their routes for the final expedition for their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. The teams, who completed their practice expedition in the Black Mountains, are now in Snowdonia for five days and four nights and must organise and plan the expedition themselves. Best of luck to all of them.
Determined to leave a lasting legacy at Gordon’s, in the form of bagpipes, School Bursar Susan Meikle has achieved this, raising not only enough money for one set of pipes, but for five! Mrs Meikle, who retires at the end of August after 11 years at Gordon’s, had twice tandem-jumped out of an aeroplane to raise funds for school projects but the challenge of mastering the chanter and passing the Level 2 of the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board was her biggest test to date. Since November, she has been attending weekly lessons on the chanter (the part of the bagpipe used to create a melody), spurred on by sponsorship by parents, students, staff and friends of the School. Now, as well as passing her exam, she has learned that £2,515 has been raised – enough to buy five new sets of bagpipes for use by the school’s pipers. Mrs Meikle said: "This was an unusual challenge to set myself but one that I am proud to have achieved, particularly encouraged by such generous donations for which I thank everyone most sincerely. The Pipe Band is an iconic aspect of Gordon’s and I now have some understanding of their hard work and commitment".
Five days in the Welsh Black Mountains for these Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants, taking part in their practice expedition. The groups have organised and planned the expedition, which requires eight hours of activity each day and must be unaccompanied and self-sufficient. Best of luck to them all.
Congratulations to U14s cricketer Hridaan Kohli, who has been awarded a Bedser Scholarship. The leg spinning all-rounder, who turns out for Valley End Cricket Club; Twenty20 Community Cricket Academy; Gordon’s for the U14s and the First XI Team (as well as training at the MCC Hub!) is one of six children aged between 8 and 16 years old from Woking schools who have been identified as having the potential to become performance cricketers.
A silver medal for Teddy Gannon, competing in the U20 age group of the English Schools’ Athletic Association (ESAA) Track and Field Championships at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. Congratulations Teddy – a great result!
The 138th Annual Parade and Prize Giving ended the academic year on a high, with a whole-school Parade on the Front Field. The Guest of Honour and Inspecting Officer was the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Vice President of Gordon Foundation, Michael More-Molyneux. Mr More-Molyneux told assembled parents, students and staff: “I have now been visiting Gordon’s for over 20 years and I still go away feeling better than when I arrive. There is an energy, enthusiasm, interest and excitement about the school”.
The Parade, led by the school Sergeant Major Sophie Bodell, marched on behind the Pipes and Drums playing Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh.
Mr More-Molyneaux also presented prizes including House cups. Two new cups, the Steve Monk Cups, in memory of Steve Monk, a former Director of Sport at Gordon’s for 20 years by his granddaughter, Gordonian Carys Monk were presented to the winning girls’ and boys’ Houses - Buckingham and Victoria.
The Scottish traditional song of farewell ‘Parting Glass’, dedicated to the school Bursar Susan Meikle, who retires after 11 years at Gordon’s, brought the proceedings to a wonderful finale.
