Jubilee at Alleyn’s - All School Assembly

Throughout the week we will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. First thing this morning, we started celebrations with an all-school assembly. Pupils and staff heard from our School Captain and Vice Captains who read out accounts from Alumni on their experiences of the Queen’s Coronation and past jubilees.

Coronation memories included Alleyn’s Old Boy Michael Lovett who, along with five other Alleyn’s pupils, were allocated places to watch the Coronation procession on the Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

Another Alleyn’s Old Boy, Chris Nelson recalled a neighbourly gathering and receiving his commemorative cup and saucer, a gift that all school children in London were given at the time. This was followed by former pupil, David Ridgewell’s account of the entire school heading to Dulwich Village to cheer enthusiastically at the Queen, who was touring the UK after her Coronation in an open top car.

Our Head, Jane Lunnon also spoke to staff and pupils reminding them of this once in a lifetime moment and highlighting the Queen’s personal commitment and service to our country over her 70 years of reign.

“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”  Her Majesty The Queen, 21 April 1947

The assembly was ended by a prayer read out by pupils from the Junior School and a rousing rendition of the National Anthem played by Alleyn’s brass quintet.