GORDONIAN AWARDS This summer we say farewell to our 2018/2019 Gordonian Award winners who are now in Year 13 Ella Litjens (Sport) and Freya Keppel-Compton (Drama). We caught up with them to find out how they have found lockdown, being in their final year at Gordon’s School and embracing their passions which won them this prestigious award.
Ella Litjens (Sport) Words by Ella: “In the Autumn term, despite circumstances, we have managed to play one Hockey game at school, which we won! After this most Hockey was virtual. My coaches suggested I follow some online training through Fortitude Hockey. In April some 1-on-1 sessions are resuming but I will not be participating in those as I will be prioritising my A level studies. I also worked on keeping up with my Umpire skills and followed a course online through GB Hockey Coach and Inspire initiative. During the lockdown I have been focusing on strength training and overall fitness with the ergo machine. It has been really a very challenging period both physically and mentally to stay focused and not to lose direction. I am really looking forward to going off to University and continuing with hockey at the next level. My final Award instalment was used to go towards purchasing a rowing machine which has enabled me to keep training throughout the lockdowns. Thank you for supporting me on my journey.”
Freya Keppel-Compton (Drama) Words by Freya: “This term I am still in concert band and choir and we are working on pieces for Summer Arts evening. In Drama, we are doing the same. Once school is over I am going to make the most of the summer whilst of course keeping up my singing and flute practice and working on a few monologues. I am also hoping to go to some music concerts and theatre shows once things reopen. Next year, I will be working as an Au Pair in Germany. It may be difficult, but if I can I hope to find some sort of theatre group. I will also of course be taking my flute and continuing virtual singing lessons. I will also be applying for drama school again next year, so that will keep me plenty busy. For the year after, I have a place to study Linguistics at Cardiff however I am hoping to get into at least a foundation course at drama school by then. The award has paid for my singing lessons and will go towards my Drama school auditions. I am very grateful to the support of the Gordonian Award.”
GORDON’S SCHOOL TRIBUTE TO HRH PRINCE PHILIP April 17th 2021, At 5.55pm The Last post was sounded at Gordon’s School as the Union flag was lowered at the end of the day on which HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral took place in nearby Windsor. Since his death on the 9th April until the 17th, flags at the School have been flying at half-mast. After the flag was lowered by Drum Major Rosie Roberts, Pipe Major Owen Carter played a lament outside the school chapel in tribute to His Royal Highness. The tribute was broadcast live on the School’s Facebook page. You are still able to watch it if you go to Gordon’s School Facebook page and search for ‘Prince Philip’.
PRINCE PHILIP MEMORIES
Denis Robinson – ‘Rev Rob’ and Housemaster and Teacher (1980–2017). “I remember it being one of the hottest days that summer, the Queen and Prince Philip were visiting for the School’s centenary. They spent more than two and a half hours at Gordon’s with a packed programme of events and presentations. The arrival of the car was greeted by many West End Villagers and especially children from Holy Trinity School. One of the first School personalities presented to the Queen was the then Chairman of the Foundation of Gordon’s School, General Sir Charles Richardson. He accompanied The Queen and Prince Philip on their tour. By a stroke of pure fluke, as a Housemaster then, as well as a teacher, I was selected/told to be his aide-de-camp and consequently wherever Her Majesty went that afternoon I went too. I was fortunate to witness every part of the visit on that special occasion. I was present, for instance, when she unveiled a painting of General Gordon in the School Chapel dedicated to a former monarch and saint, Edward the Confessor. All in all it was a splendid afternoon and I thoroughly enjoyed some of the informal conversation with Prince Philip who was both charming and amusing. I was very proud of the boys in my boarding house and especially of one Gary Drudge-Coates 8598 (1989) who was selected as the youngest pupil in the School to present the Queen with flowers, immediately after she unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit (picture above – I’m third in from the left).”
“Semper Fidelis”
The Gordonian
P9
