The Manor Preparatory School was 100 years old in 2007! A series of exciting events that involved the whole school community were held, some of which took place over a special Centenary Weekend 29th/30th June. The Friends of the Manor Ball on Friday 29th June offered Manor parents, staff and Governors, past and present, a unique opportunity to join together in celebration of this important milestone in the school’s history. Saturday 30th June included a lunch for alumni and a special fête for all the pupils.
MUSIC CONCERTS held on 14th and 27th March 2007
Two spectaclur evenings of music were performed by The Manor's School Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, Recorder Ensembly, Clarinet Trio and Flute Choir. On 14th March, the School Choir was joined by Roselle Collins (soprano) and Alun Jones (baritone) who performed a programme of songs and arias to raptuous applause.
CD RECORDING held on 1st May 2007
On Tuesday 1 May a music production company set-up in The Manor’s School Hall to record our Centenary Celebration of Song CD. Every Manor pupil from Nursery to Year 6 took part to record an eclectic mix of songs, including: Baa Baa Black Sheep (Nursery), Money Money, Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man, Panis Angelicus, The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music and The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
HAPPY'S CIRCUS AT THE MANOR held on 5th and 6th JUNE 2007
Happy’s Circus brought their traditional circus to The Manor with shows on two evenings which were pure and simple joy enjoyed by many Manor families. They also ran two Circus Skills Workshops on Wednesday 6 June giving Manor pupils an introduction to many of the basic skills used by professional circus performers, including: Juggling with Beanbags, Scarves & Clubs, Plate Spinning, Roller Boards, Rings & Lasso Hoop Spinning, Pedal Goes, Fun Wheels & Unicycle, Hand Held Stilts and Object Balancing.
THE MANOR CENTENARY BALL held on 29TH JUNE 2007
Friends of the Manor (FOTM) proudly presented the Manor Centenary Ball; this was a unique opportunity for Manor parents, past and present, staff and governors to join together in celebration of this important milestone in the school’s history. The theme for the event was Carnival which encompassed Caribbean and tropical decorations as well as a vibrant party atmosphere created by a steel band, live 6-piece function band, 3-course dinner, charity auction and a troupe of entertainers. No less thank 315 guests attended and all had a wonderfully enjoyable evening.
ALUMNI DRINKS AND BUFFET held on 30TH JUNE 2007
The Alumni Drinks Reception and Buffet Lunch took place in the marquee on The Manor’s playing fields. Some 350 former pupils, friends, staff and Governors enjoyed reuniting and looking around the school to see how things had changed over the years.
MANOR FÊTE - 30TH JUNE 2007
The traditional Year 6 Fête was a resounding success raising over £4200. Stalls and games were run by children of all ages with plenty of fun activities including bouncy castle, pony rides, face painters and a raffle. All profits went to charities chosen by the children: Starlight Children's Foundation, IMPS and the Dogs' Trust.