How time flies and in no time at all it was the day of our Tring Park Society reunion. Yet again the weather favoured us and the sun shone, though not as much as it had throughout April. Still, we were content with dry AND warm.
Our day began with the arrival of 100 members and guests who were welcomed by Stefan Anderson, the Principal, and the usual suspects ie; Andrew Newland, Vera Finn, Kim Logan and Alison Simpson-the committee. One notable absentee was Eve Pettinger who was unable to attend due to an accident. We missed you Eve! We all wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her soon.
After registration and the obligatory name tags, guests were welcomed with drinks in the entrance hall. It was at this stage of the proceedings that shrieks and shouts abounded as long awaited reunions of friends past and present filled the air. Vera, ever the perfect secretary, intimated that this was her absolute favourite part of the day, meeting face to face with the members that she had spoken to and written to, over the previous two years.
A delicious buffet lunch served in the Assembly Hall followed and allowed for plenty of time to chat and catch up over a glass of wine and a wander around the school.
During the afternoon and despite rehearsals and exams pending, the pupils did us proud with an hour long presentation in The Markova Theatre. We were treated to excerpts from Evita and Sister Act as well as two ballet solos and four modern dance solos. Two excellent drama sequences showed that the standards of the school across the board were soaring. We cannot thank the pupils enough for taking time out to present this show for our Open Day.
Our chairman, Andrew Newland, then made a short speech and concluded this with the presentation of two cheques on behalf of the society. One cheque for £1,000 to be used to assist selected pupils with fees and/or equipment as required and one for £500 towards a wall clock in the “hub” section of the new studios. Stefan Anderson then spoke to everyone about the plans for the new school buildings and current news. It was quite clear that Tring Park has big plans for the future, including a new dance theatre, and that it is going from strength to strength in terms of pupil figures and achievements.
A tour of the new Park Studios ensued and for those who remember the excitement of the opening of studios “A” and “B” in the 1970’s- well multiply that by 10! The new studios are bigger, better and brighter in every way, the architects having utilised the scenic setting, wood and glass to great effect. They even have a grass roof to blend them into their setting. (Our old Founders’ Day open air stage!)
Our day rounded off with afternoon tea and scones back at the mansion. As ever it is the members that make this day a success and the school that makes it so special. It was lovely to see so many of you and we look forward to welcoming you back to Tring Park in the future.