Farfield Centenary
17 Mar 2011
On a warm September afternoon, 160 old ‘Farfieldians’, and their guests attended the OG celebration to mark the Centenary of Farfield House. The four living Housemasters, Ron Colman(Farfield 1980-1988), Graham Worrall, Farfield (1988-1998) Adam Edwards Farfield (1998-2003) and James Thomson (Farfield 2003) - where all present as was Helen Thomas, wife of Bill Thomas (Farfield 1965-1980) and Christine Guedalla, daughter of Bruce Douglas (Farfield 1936-1957).
The event started with Choral Evensong in the chapel. The service, led by Fr Bryan Roberts (School Chaplain) included Hymn to the Virgin written by Britten (Farfield 1928-1930) in 1930 and Hymn to St Cecilia with music by Britten and words by Auden (Farfield 1920-1925). The choir comprised current and former Farfield staff, Old Farfield boys, parents of Farfield boys, sisters of Farfield boys and even ex girl friends of Farfield boys and was directed by Mark Jones (Director of Music) and accompanied by Lawrence Tao (Organist and Visiting Farfield Tutor).
After the service the “boys” and their guests headed over to their old House, where they could peruse the new Farfield history boards commissioned as part of the centenary celebrations. Paddy O’Connell (Farfield 1979-1984) hosted Broadcasting House Farfield Style with some of the distinguished guests: Sam Ward (Farfield 2004-2010), Nic Williamson (Farfield 1969-1974), Matt Arnold (Farfield 1975-1980) and Sir John Tusa (Farfield 1949-1954). The, at times, hilarious trip down memory lane took place in the third generation of Farfield auditorium with some lively contributions from the floor.
The guests then dined in Big School, which may never before have seen so many diners within its walls. After speeches from Michael Garrard (Farfield 1943-1947) and James Thomson and toasts to Farfield, its boys and its Housemasters.
The evening was a tremendous success and brought together lots of happy memories for so many Old Greshamians.
Huge thanks to James Thomson and his family for hosting such a fantastic event.
The Housemaster of Farfield invites you to attend the celebration of
The 100th Anniversary of Farfield
Saturday 24th September 2011
5.00pm Evensong in the School Chapel
6.00pm Farfield in Farfield
7.30pm Dinner in Big School
Lounge suits / £40 per person
Invitations have been sent out to all Farfield old boys