The King and I

Memories of the visit of His Majesty King Baudouin in 1981

“I remembered the visit well. The visit was organised by Dick Pantlin. In the morning of 8 December 1981, all of the BSB staff were introduced to King Baudouin. There was a gymnastics display, a concert, a production in the theatre and a reception.” Arthur Gamble, Alumnus

“My Year 4 was selected to be a class the King would visit in their classroom in action! I had very bravely (or rashly) decided to follow their usual timetable and have an art and finger/hand painting activity. As the King and his entourage entered the corridor, one of my class turned to me to ask which was the King, as no one was wearing a crown! Then the King approached and spoke to several of the children and myself with wonderful gentleness and interest... fortunately escaping painted hands on his clothing!” Hilary Vervaeck, Alumna

In the book ‘21 Years of Creating Excellence’ book published by BSB in 1992 this was how the King’s visit was remembered: “This was a happy day for several reasons. The auditorium (now Brel Theatre) was a dream come true for the school in general, but in particular for the large number of pupils, staff and parents who were intrinsically interested in drama and music. It was a fully equipped theatre and opened up all sorts of possibilities for the future. The auditorium had been used since September but it was fully working by 8 December, the date suitable for King Baudouin to attend for an official opening. This was to be

performed by William Shelton, the MP in the Department of Education and Science in the UK, as the King, by custom never personally opens buildings. He had indicated, however, that he was very pleased to have it recorded that he was present, which was done in a commemorative tablet.” (This can still be found in the Brel Building).

Altogether 250 guests were present for the official opening ceremony. They included, in addition to King Baudouin and Mr Shelton, the British Ambassador and his wife, Sir Peter and Lady Wakefield, and a representative from the Belgian Ministry of Education.

The King visited various parts of the school and saw part of a musical play (AA Milne’s ‘The Changing of the Guard’). Members of staff reported back that they were impressed by the genuine interest he showed. He was markedly informal in his approach to people he met, despite the presence of his security men, who meticulously checked all the pupils’ lockers. He also watched part of a gymnastics display. He made a point of talking to staff using English, French or Dutch…’ Before the opening ceremony the King listened to the last part of a short concert (‘Follow the Plough’ by Keith Cole and Ken Pickering). In his speech of welcome, Dick Pantlin stressed the links between Belgium and the UK and the happy development of BSB on a site originally intended by Leopold II (King Baudouin’s great-grandfather) to be an international college.

After the official ceremony the King mixed informally with many parents…visitors were impressed by his obvious sincerity and quiet charm.