Benenden was bathed in glorious sunshine for Speech Day earlier this month, and it proved to be a fitting finale to the School year.
The Chairman of Governing Council, Anna Birkett, opened proceedings and recalled how, as a Benenden pupil in the 1970s, the School “instilled in me a firm belief in my ability – and my right – to pursue my ambitions. That gave me the confidence to seek out opportunities which I might not have done otherwise”
Mrs Birkett thanked Mrs Price, the SMT and the entire staff for their “dedication, commitment and extremely hard work” and formally thanked William Trelawny-Vernon who in December stepped down after serving eight years on Governing Council, and welcomed two new Governors: Paul Simpkin and Jonathan Pearce.
Mrs Price took to the lectern and spoke on the theme of vision.
Mrs Price listed some of the many achievements by girls this year, including the Symphony Orchestra performing alongside Tasmin Little at Drapers’ Hall, The astonishing production of The Sound of Music, the expedition to Nepal, the Arts Festival, the raising £47,000 for charity and the girls’ Microlight. She said: “Across the spectrum of what we do here at School the girls have shown admirable endeavour and in many cases both personally and collectively excelled. Every day I am amazed by the hard work, the commitment, drive, initiative and magnificent achievements of you girls and thanks to you all for all that you have done this year.”
Alison Steven, Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care, then announced all the prizewinners before the Head Girl’s speech. After lunch, guests enjoyed the traditional Speech Day Concert, followed by afternoon tea or, for those who were interested, England’s World Cup quarter-final against Sweden was shown in the Science Centre. In every respect, the day was an enormous success with much to celebrate.