St Edward's Church of England Primary School and
St Edward's Church of England School and Sixth-Form College,
celebrate 300th Anniversary.

A service to celebrate the 300th anniversary of St Edward’s Church of England Primary School and St Edward’s Church of England School and Sixth Form College in Romford was held at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 3rd February 2010.

St Edward’s School was founded in Romford as a charity school in 1710 to provide education according to the principles and practices of the Church of England.

 

 

The congregation was welcomed by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall who also gave the Address.

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Gentry from Form 8.8 read Job 28: 12-28 and Emily Bradford of Form 6H read Luke 2: 41-52.

Prayers were led by Emmanuelle Owayele, the Head Girl; Jonathan Olusina, Form 6B; Jonathan Maltz, the Head Boy; Marlin Manduakila, Form 6M; the Reverend Stephen Waine, Chair of the Governors; and the Reverend Graeme Napier, Minor Canon of Westminster.

The school Trust Deed was processed through the Abbey Church and presented at the High Altar. The Dean, the Head Teachers, the Chair of the Governors and students from both schools were present at the Veneration of the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor.

The service was sung by the choirs of both schools conducted by Philip Keith and Ben Carter. The organ was played by Robert Quinney, Sub Organist of Westminster Abbey.

FULL PICTURES OF THE ANNIVERSARY SERVICE CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Memories from 300th Anniversary Service held at Westminster Abbey

What a privilege it was to be invited to attend the service to celebrate the 300th anniversary of St Edwards Schools. Westminster Abbey was bustling, the atmosphere was electric, you could feel the excitement, expectation, seeing the uniting and reuniting of friends and family past and present, but most of all feeling the love that united us all.
The content of the service and the input of the children and young adults was excellent.
The most moving part for me was the procession of the Trust Deed.   It was then that the 300 years registered; the thought of how many children have been educated and shown the love of God, in that time.
I have been involved with St Edwards Primary School for 32 years,  I hold it very close to my heart. How blessed we are to be inheritors of a legacy, that has reigned for 300 years.

Jenny Card, Leader Mother and Toddler Group

 Towards the end of 2006 several interested Teachers and Governors from both schools met to form a “300 Committee.”  During this meeting we started putting ideas forward about what we might be able to do to celebrate the 300th Birthday of the schools.
My vision was to arrange for a big service at Westminster Abbey (because of the link of St. Edward) similar to the 250th celebration that took place in St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1960.  On 3rd February 2010 my vision became a reality.  It is difficult to describe the excitement I felt as I arrived at The Abbey.  Everywhere you looked there were St. Edward’s children and parents arriving to take their seats.  Once inside Arthur and I met so many old friends from our 42 years association with the School – Clergy, Head Teachers and past members of Staff.  Before the service started many children were involved in music making – The Primary School Percussion Band, The Senior Orchestra, A Vocal Ensemble and the Senior Jazz Band.  It was wonderful to hear their music echoing around that grand building.  I felt very emotional as the procession moved through the Abbey led by our Site Manager – Mr Terry McCarthy carrying our lovely new school banner.  The service continued with so many children taking part, reading, leading prayers and dancing – all to the very highest standard.
The climax of the service came as The Revd. Stephen Waine carried to the altar the original Church Vestry Book containing the minutes of the meeting in 1710 at which the founding of the school was approved.   Stephen was accompanied by Alan Perry and Petula Allen – Head Teachers, Adam McKie, Head Boy, Hollie Rayner, Head Girl from the Comprehensive School, and Erica-Faith Linsay and Henry Beckett from the Primary School.  I have had an interest in this document for sometime but to see the original being carried to the Altar was again a most moving occasion. After a prayer the party moved into The Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor.  The Flute Ensemble played so beautifully while the shrine was venerated.
As the final hymn soared into the rafters my joy at the fulfilment of my vision was complete.  There will never be another day like this.  I am so proud to have been associated with the St. Edward’s Schools for so long.  May they continue to serve children for many years to come in the ways laid down in that original Trust Deed.

Margaret Appleby.  Vice-Chair of Governors. St Edward’s Primary School.

As I woke up at half seven on Wednesday 3 February 2010,1 was so excited. My brothers and I quickly got dressed and raced down stairs. We had to wait a little while for my parents to get up. To fill up the space we watched TV. Then my mum and dad came down the stairs, they made us breakfast then soon after we were on our way out the front door.
Soon after we were at the train station waiting to get our tickets. When we had our tickets we rushed to platform 2.  A couple of minutes later we were joined with lots of other families. At 10.26 we got on to the train. We enjoyed the train journey to Liverpool Street as we passed the Olympic Stadium at Stratford. We walked to the circle line and continued our trip to Westminster. We enjoyed the trip on the tube as we ate our packed lunch from our own bags.
We arrived at Westminster about 11.15. We happily walked to the Abbey passing The Houses of Parliament on our way. I noticed that there were policeman guarding it and one of them had a machine gun. We went into the Abbey and found our seats. Then we all went to watch the orchestra play. The service began. The first hymn we sung was 'All my hope on God is founded', followed by 'Love will never come to an end', then 'Ye watchers and ye holy ones'.
I really enjoyed the experience at Westminster Abbey because I liked practising the hymns in school and then being able to sing them in the Abbey. I enjoyed it also as it was my first time visiting Westminster Abbey and I felt very proud to be a part of this celebration.
When the service had finished we got on the bus to Trafalgar square and sat on the lions. Then we walked to the National Gallery, and it was fantastic. Then we got the train at Embankment station and headed back to Romford.

Charlotte Fallows Aged 10, Year 5

My husband, Danny and I awoke with the buzzing of the children walking in and out of our bedroom. George aged 3 asking "are we going to school today?" My daughter, Charlotte, aged 10 explaining to him that we was going on a train to Westminster Abbey to celebrate the 300th anniversary of St Edward's Church of England Schools. My other son, Lewis, age 6 was excited at the prospect of going into London and was looking forward to singing the hymns that he had been practising at school and also in the bath.
We left our home in Romford at about 9.40. We walked down North Street and past the Bus garage. I had to chuckle to myself as Lewis, even though he knew we was going to Westminster, turned into Park Drive, this is the road we take to school. It just goes to show that even children are on auto pilot with the school run, just the same as us mums and dads. I called to Lewis "there's no school today Lew". We continued our walk through Romford town to the station. We bought our tickets and made our way to Platform 2. Within 5-10 minutes we were joined by lots of other families patiently awaiting the arrival of the 10.26 to Liverpool Street. Onlookers' wondering what was going on with all these smartly dressed school children waiting for the train.
The train pulled in and we all got on. The children enjoyed the train journey to Liverpool Street, looking out of the window as we past the Olympic stadium or so called 'fish bowl' as it has been nicknamed at Stratford. We arrived at Liverpool Street. After our 2nd toilet stop, we made our way to the Circle line and continued on our journey to Westminster. The children liked being on the tube and happily ate their packed lunches from their named carrier bags (just like they have on their school trips).
We arrived at Westminster about 11.25. As we came out of the station, Lewis pointed to Big Ben and asked 'Mummy is that real gold on the clock face', I answered 'Yes'. Lewis was very impressed. Danny and I showed the children the Houses of Parliament and tried to explain, in children's terms what goes on in there. Lewis asked 'Is that what Guy Fawkes tried to blow up?'
We made our way to the Abbey. The sight of seeing so many familiar faces and all the children in their school uniform, made me proud to be a part of this special occasion.
We went into the Abbey and were guided to our seats. The orchestra was playing and Charlotte, Lewis and George asked to go and see it. We all stood and watched the orchestra play. The children loved it. We had a quick look around at the statues which were near us, and at the magnificent architecture of the Abbey, especially the high ceilings, which were breathtaking. We resumed our seats. Then the ceremony began with a hymn followed by the welcome and introduction from The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster. The service was lovely and I especially loved watching Charlotte and Lewis singing the hymn 'Love will never come to an end'. George was a bit restless through the service but overall he was good. The service finished with the blessing. The stewards then began to direct us out of the Abbey.

With the sound of the Abbey Church bells still ringing, we decided to take some photos outside. We then all jumped on a bus to Trafalgar Square where the children loved climbing on the lions. We went to the National Gallery, which to be honest was a challenge with George, who at this point was getting a bit tired of being told to be quiet. We decided to head to Embankment Station and back home to Romford.
We all had such |a lovely day and one that we will never forget. It was especially nice as all three of our children attend St Edward's primary school and therefore felt a part of it.
Before I went to bed that night I placed an order of service sheet and a Westminster Abbey ticket in each of the children's time capsules, so in years to come they can look back and remember what a lovely day we all shared.

Natalie Fallows, wife to Danny and mum to Charlotte 5MB, Lewis 2S and George Fallows NGPM

I was lucky enough to be given a ticket for the service to celebrate the 300th anniversary of our schools.  I am not sure ‘lucky’ is a big enough word though, to describe to excitement of the occasion.  Romford may never have seen anything like it: a sea of people - children and young people in school uniform, mums, dads, grandparents, and others - pouring onto the platform at the station and onto the train. What the commuters thought I can only guess at. 

At Westminster station we climbed the steps and walked round to the Abbey.   Waiting to go in I met people from my past that I haven’t seen for years.  Everyone looked happy.  Everyone smiled.  Then we were allowed in.    We were shown to our colour coded seats, a task of some magnitude, given the large numbers pouring through the doors. 

We spent the time before the service people watching.  Then the orchestra began to play and although we couldn’t quite hear from where we were seated, we knew the time for the service was approaching. 

The organ played, the procession walked in and the hymns were sung.  The young people taking part were brilliant.  The young man and lady reading were clear and confident, the dancers enthusiastic and the school banner being paraded was beautiful.  Congratulations to the nimble fingers who stitched it.

Another rousing hymn closed the service and we left the Abbey proud of our heritage, proud of our young people and proud to have been part of something so special.  The time and effort needed to organise such an event was extraordinary.  Many thanks to all those involved.  I had a wonderful day.  I’m certain everyone feels the same.

Ann Ashdown, Junior Church leader

 On Wednesday 3rd February, we went to Westminster Abbey to celebrate our school’s 300th anniversary.  It was a very special day since 300 years ago, the people of Romford decided to raise money to start a Christian school for the children.  Lots of children were able to take part in the service by singing, dancing, reading, performing in the percussion band , or orchestra.  The dean of Westminster welcomed us all and asked us questions.  My favourite part was when the choir were able to process through Westminster Abbey.  The building was beautiful.  I liked the carvings and the stained glass windows best.  The think the statues and windows displayed stories.

Mrs Hall’s mother, sewed a banner for the school.  Mr McCarthy carried the banner during the procession.  The organ was beautiful as it was decorated with gold carvings.  When the organ played, it filled the whole Abbey with music.

When the dean, Mrs Allen and Mr Perry went into St. Edward’s shrine they lit lots of incense which made the Abbey misty with smoke.  I think it was the most amazing day for our school.

Alia Kobuszko, 5G

Our service at Westminster Abbey was very special because I could worship God.  The thing that made it very special for me was just sitting and watching all that was going on around me.  The dancers were brilliant and the percussion band played beautifully, but the most special thing was St. Edward’s tomb.  I had a great time and I will remember it for years to come.

Oakley Parnell, 5G

 

NEW ARCHDEACON OF DORSET IS ANNOUNCED
Media Release 19/10/09 - The Bishop of Salisbury, Dr David Stancliffe, has announced that Reverend Stephen Waine, Vicar of the Parish of St Edward the Confessor, Romford, in the Diocese of Chelmsford, is to be the next Archdeacon of Dorset.

Stephen, 50, succeeds the Venerable Alastair Magowan, who became Bishop of Ludlow last month.

Dr Stancliffe said this morning, “Stephen is an experienced and passionate priest, who will bring energy and imagination to his ministry among us. We look forward enormously to having him as our colleague. It’s a very welcome appointment, and the Diocese – particularly the Archdeaconry of Dorset – is really fortunate to have him.”

“I am looking forward very much to becoming part of, and getting to know, the Diocese of Salisbury and Archdeaconry of Dorset, and to meeting the people who are the Church in Dorset and Wiltshire,” Stephen said today.

He studied Economic and Social Studies at the University of East Anglia before training for the priesthood at Westcott House, Cambridge.

After ordination he served as Assistant Curate of St Peter’s Collegiate Church Wolverhampton for four years and then, in 1988, became Minor Canon and Succentor of St Paul’s Cathedral.

In 1993 he moved to St Edward’s Romford, one of the major town centre parishes of the Diocese of Chelmsford, on the eastern edge of Greater London. He has been Assistant Area Dean of Havering since 2004.

He has a particular passion for creating ‘holy spaces’ where God can be encountered and has transformed his current parish’s buildings and worship.

He has a wide variety of hobbies: music (singing and listening), cooking, walking, caravanning, DIY, gardening, keeping poultry, golf, reading and armchair football and cricket.

Married to Liz, they have two children, William, 17, and Lucy, 15. Stephen expects to move to Dorset in April 2010, and will be joined by his family after A Levels and GCSEs are over.