Dining Hall decoration returned after 31 years

We were delighted to see John Camping (Sanderson’s 1985-1990) who visited the College in September. John’s mission was to return a valuable part of one of the 14 corbels on the wide stairs leading to the entrance of the Dining Hall!  For the last 31 years, the boy reading a book on the middle column at the top of the stairs has been headless and thankfully, he is now back in his rightful place.

Here’s the story as told by John: ‘The truth – Whilst waiting for a match tea after tennis, I stupidly said “Can you imagine if I knocked the head off!!”, and then proceeded to use the handle of my tennis racket to give it a pretend nudge, and unfortunately, it fell to the floor!! I immediately picked it up and put in my pocket and said to my friends “you didn’t see that!” The head has been with me in all my houses throughout London and made it to our house in West Sussex, where I plucked up the courage to return it to its rightful place persuaded by my three daughters and wife!’

We were delighted to have the piece returned and one of the stone masons working on the Chapel fixed it back into the correct position.

About Lancing College

Located in the picturesque South Downs of West Sussex, Lancing College is a leading independent school and sixth form for pupils aged 13-18. Founded in 1848, the co-educational English private school is home to both boarding and day students and has a longstanding reputation for traditional values and exemplary pastoral care. Contact us today to begin your journey.