NEWS
LLOYD WEBBER HAILS KING ’ S ROCHESTER
The brass musicians at King ’ s Rochester are celebrating a successful weekend at the Woodard Schools Young Musician of the Year awards which was held on Saturday 6th May in the stunning Elgar Hall , Birmingham .
George Crawford , aged 13 and in Year 8 at King ’ s Rochester Preparatory School won the Junior Young Musician of the Year title playing “ En Irlande ” by Bozza on the French Horn and classmate Edward Hyde aged 13 was a commended runner-up also on the French Horn playing “ Morceau Symphonique ” by Alexandre Guilmant .
The competition was adjudicated by the internationally famous cellist Julian Lloyd Webber , who commented : “ There must be something happening in the brass department at King ’ s Rochester !”
Director of music , Mr Doug McIlwraith commented : “ The Musician of the Year competition selects the best musicians from all 40 Woodard Schools . The music on display is of an extremely high standard and to be selected as a finalist is high a accolade but to win it is remarkable .”
NORTHBOURNE PARK SCHOOL SENIOR PUPILS ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL
On Saturday the 13th May , senior pupils of Northbourne Park School completed their annual 14.7-mile walk to Canterbury Cathedral .
The pilgrimage started with a blessing at the school chapel , St Mary the Virgin , Betteshanger , from School Chaplain , Revd Nigel Hale . The 29 children and supervisors then set off into the beautiful Kentish countryside after having stocked up on plenty of water and snacks for along the way .
The pilgrimage is a special event in the school calendar as it gives the senior students a chance to reflect on the experiences they ’ ve had during their time at Northbourne Park School . Many view it as a rite of passage transitioning into senior school life , and it also gives them a chance to clear their minds and focus , before they start their exams in a couple of weeks time . One pupil said : ‘’ I like the pilgrimage because it gives me a chance to spend some quality time with my best friends before we all split up when school finishes .’’
The walk takes the children along the original pilgrim ’ s path to Canterbury .
Priscilla Smith , head of outdoor education said : “ Congratulations to all the children and staff who completed the 14.7 miles . It was lovely to see such a fine display of great determination both mentally and physically .”
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