Leavers’ Balls

By Hannah Pomroy, Deputy Head

Leaver’s Balls have long been part of the Ampleforth College calendar, but those in 2020 and 2021 were yet another casualty of the pandemic. It was therefore particularly wonderful to both be able to hold a ball for this year’s leavers at Exhibition in May, and to have a weekend of events welcoming back the 2020 leavers in early April.

The weekend in April began with a cheese and wine reception on Friday evening in the Main Hall. Seeing everyone greeting friends they had not seen for so long, and catching up on tales of gap years, university, work and life in general was absolutely fantastic. Memories of that day back in March 2020 when we had to suddenly depart from the College came flooding back bringing to mind once again the surreal difficulties of the last few years - friendships suddenly cut off rekindled with joy and delight over a glass of red wine and a piece of brie! Having had a chance to further catch up on Saturday afternoon in Houses meeting House parents old and new, we all congregated in the refectory for a fantastic meal and dancing hosted by Mr and Mrs Dyer. Having parents there too made it all the more special.

In May we made use of the Exhibition marquee and again welcomed Year 13 students and their parents to a Leavers’ Ball on site. The excellent band who entertained us so well in April repeated the trick, and the Great Gatsby themed meal and decorations was a great success. Having had a break from being able to extend a broad welcome to site due to Covid made the Ball all the more special; for some families this represented the first time at a major function at Ampleforth, for others the conclusion of a very long and happy association with the school as parents.

In April 2023, we are looking forward to seeing the 2021 leavers when they join us here in the Valley for their celebrations.