FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE The power and importance of community has been ensure you receive a very warm welcome. profoundly visible this year with a sense of ‘normal’ It is hard to believe that the Performing Arts returning to the School corridors, communal areas, Centre reopened five years ago following its and on the sports field. The one-way system and refurbishment, making it even more significant that year group bubbles previously pupils returned to the stage required due to Covid-19 seem this year without constraints like a distant memory, allowing “It is somewhere where the children utilising the Performing can clearly embrace the wonders for a renewed appreciation of Arts Centre and Fleischner of the stage and challenge education and the ability to Theatre to its full potential. themselves and fulfil ambitions.” unite without limitations to We took this opportunity Current Parent grow even further. to reflect and thank our This has also been a generous donors on the prevalent theme with OGs impact this fantastic facility has this year, who have returned to Downside in high provided and continues to provide in a short video. numbers from across the world, enjoying tours of Old Gregorians who performed in the opening the School and Abbey Church with their friends and West Side Story production in 2017 shared their family once again. It is always a pleasure to welcome highlights alongside a current parent and Director OGs and our Wider Community back to Downside, of Music, Julian McNamara, who has seen first-hand hearing various stories and memories from favourite the transformation this facility has provided for teachers to sheep in the Gasquet! If you would like pupils, staff and guests who join us in the audience to schedule a visit, please contact the Development throughout the year. Thank you to all who enable Office at development@downside.co.uk and we will projects, such as this, to be realised.
82 The Raven 2022
