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Founder's Day at Lancing College has always been a highlight in the calendar, and this year was no different. The sun was shining as the Lancing community took their seats for the service of thanksgiving in the Chapel – a joyous celebration of everything that is Lancing College. We were treated to the World Premier of The Lancing Beatitudes composed by British Composer Roxanna Panufnik, which was commissioned to celebrate the175th Anniversary of the founding of the College. Roxanna studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music and her works for opera, ballet, choirs, orchestras and chamber music and music for film and television are performed all over the world.
When Alexander Mason, Director of Music at Lancing College, approached me with a 175th anniversary commission, he requested the Beatitudes (the solemn blessings which open the Sermon on the Mount) because of the College’s motto Beati mundo corde (Blessed are the pure in heart). He also requested some plainsong in the piece and having recently fallen in love with the gorgeous 9th century hymn Veni Creator Spiritus (attributed to Frankish Benedictine Monk Rabanus Maurus), I was only too happy to oblige.
Roxanna Panufnik
The texts seem to complement each other right from the start – the plainsong opening with ‘Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest', introducing the Beatitudes' eight blessings. The desperation of ‘they which do hunger and thirst’ with imploring ‘To thee, the Comforter, we cry’. The Beatitudes finish with ‘for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ as the plainsong extolls ‘perfect faith for evermore’.
After a short refreshment break in the Dining Hall, overlooked by the image of the Founder and those who have gone before, as well as the stunning 175th portrait installation of some of the amazing Lancing College community past and present, the festivities continued.
The School community and parents of prizewinners then headed back to the Chapel for the Prizegiving ceremony and address from the Deputy Chair of the Governing Body, Henry Lawson. Mr Lawson spoke about his time at the school and the enduring values that have defined Lancing College for the past 175 years. What resonated most with the audience were the reflections from past Heads of School, each of whom described how they were given the space to thrive in the areas they were most passionate and made lifelong friendships. The current Heads of School also shared their individual, inspiring and memorable stories of school, knowing that they will always be welcomed and supported by the Lancing College community.
The ceremony celebrated a wide range of outstanding achievements across the College, including not just academic successes, but also triumphs in drama, music, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), dance, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. This year also saw the addition of the prestigious Professor Sir Roy Calne awards for Art and Sciences.
With the formal ceremonies complete, it was time to relax and enjoy the festivities of the day. A mini fairground, delicious street food, and the festival of sports – the grand finale of Tuesday's sports day – provided ample entertainment. The Music Department added to the atmosphere with live music wafting out from the balcony of the Shearwood Pavilion. The day was rounded off with a delightful Alice in Wonderland-themed afternoon tea, a nod to the fabulous promenade theatre experience performed by the Third and Fourth Forms earlier in the week, before everyone headed off for Half Term.
This was a truly joyful day and a chance for the whole community to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of our pupil body. Families, pupils and guests all took real delight in the chance to be together for the festivities. In our 175th anniversary year it was a time to be especially proud of our history, to be inspired, and to look forward with unbridled optimism.
Dominic Oliver, Head Master
Founder's Day at Lancing College is a cherished tradition that celebrates the school's rich history, its vibrant present, and the bright futures of its pupils. This year's event, with its blend of formality, festivities, and community spirit, once again captured the essence of what makes Lancing College so special.