On the final Monday of term the entire Pocklington School boarding community gathered together in festive mood to celebrate the end of a busy term.
Festivities began with a lovely carol service in the School Chapel led by former Chaplain, Jim Roberts, followed by a fantastic Christmas dinner produced by Andrew D’Arcy and his wonderful team of catering staff.
Following the dinner and eagerly anticipated boarders’ awards presentations, Louise Lamb, teacher of English and former Resident House Tutor of Faircote House, gave a warm and humorous speech both about her own days as a boarder in Scotland and her time in Faircote House.
After events in the Dining Hall, the party moved across to the Music School for the traditional disco. Afonso, a senior boarder, ably put together all the music requests from the four Houses to ensure the dance floor remained busy. The seniors get a run for their money every year from the junior boarders from Dolman and Orchard who fill the dance floor with great enthusiasm!
Mr Dare, Fenwick-Smith Housemaster, said: “Thank you to all the pupils and staff who joined together to organise the event.
He continued: “Miss Thackray, Housemistress of Faircote House, chaired the meetings of the boarders’ committee and led the co-ordination of the work behind the scenes with Mr D’Arcy, Catering Manager. The Heads of Houses and committee members themselves deserve great praise for their contribution to the success of the evening in the weeks leading up to the event. Head of Faircote House, Emma, and Joint Heads of Fenwick-Smith House, Marco and Ernest, led from the front and chose some inventive prizes for the boarders’ awards.
"As with the summer BBQ event it is absolutely fantastic to see the entire boarding community getting together to let their hair down and enjoy each other’s company," said Mr Dare.
Here are a few quotations from the boarders themselves:
“Amazing atmosphere, good mood, cool music”
“Great music, much fun together, great food!”
“A great event when we can enjoy each other’s company and especially enjoy the food!”
“Just to say how well the Christmas boarders’ night went. It was great to have a choice in the menu and the food was awesome for the occasion. However, the highlight of the night was having the chance of socialising with all Houses and staff after the dinner. Really appreciated.”
Mr Martin Davies, Director of Boarding, said: “As members of staff working in boarding, the boarders’ Christmas dinner is certainly one of the most eagerly awaited and enjoyable highlights of the year. It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with our boarders. Boarding is thriving at Pocklington School and it was brilliant to see so many pupils and staff having such a great time.”
To view a Flickr album from the event, please click here.