We celebrate 50 years in Canterbury
July 12, 2023 was chosen as the special day we celebrated 50 years since our founding in Oxford in 1973. A special awards presentation event was held at the Clagett Auditorium within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. The event was compared by Warnborough Council Secretary, Dr Pamela Hatton. Much of the day’s events are listed in greater detail on our Worldwide site here. On this site, we post more photos with their descriptions.
50th Gala Concert and Dinner
The Clagett Auditorium was converted into a classy setting for the special anniversary gala dinner. Events kicked off at 6pm with a concert featuring performances from talented youngsters. Angelina Marinicheva performed several dances, while classical pianists Varvara Sidorova and Annabelle Higgins displayed their virtuosity with difficult pieces from Rimsky-Korsakov, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Profokiev and Beethoven. Nicole-René Clarke also performed a lovely gospel number. Guests tucked into a sumptuous dinner and took the opportunity to network with others, while making happy memories.
The highlight of the evening was when the specially-commissioned 50th anniversary chocolate and cherry cake was wheeled out. President Dr Brenden Tempest-Mogg and Chairman Dr John Allen blew out the candles. As an added bonus, all attendees received a custom-made shortcake with pre-printed icing of Warnborough’s 50th anniversary logo.
Trip to Walmer Castle
The next day, a contingent of delegates headed to the famous Walmer Castle in Deal on the Kent Coast. The former home of the Duke of Wellington, the Castle boasts some immaculately-kept gardens including a mirrored pond garden created in tribute to the Queen Mother. The trip ended with a delicious traditional English tea with freshly-baked scones and clotted cream.
Canterbury Walking Tour
Those who were able and eager signed up for a walking tour of Canterbury, led by Dr Julian Ng. The walk took around 2 hours and participants saw some of the most famous sights in the city of Canterbury while learning about the stories that accompanied them.
