On Monday 17th April, Dr Kirk welcomed everyone to the start of Summer Term with the second of our 150th Anniversary Chapels – this time with the theme of ‘Celebrate’.

In the 150 years of St Mary’s there has been much to celebrate; formal celebrations of national and religious events, celebrations of the anniversaries of the school’s foundation, and celebrations of girls’ achievements whether within school and nationally.

In Chapel, Dr Kirk reflected on the celebrations of a range of occasions, and how these historic events have inspired our 150th celebrations taking place this year, including a Whole School Picnic on Sunday 25th June, replicating the many picnics and trips that past pupils and staff enjoyed on special occasions, and a Celebration and Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday 11th October at Salisbury Cathedral for all members of the St Mary's Calne Community. We are delighted that Salisbury Cathedral will, once again, will feature in the school’s special celebrations.

The finale of the 150th Anniversary celebrations will be our first whole school musical – The Sound of Music – planned for the end of the Autumn Term 2023. For the full list of celebrations, please visit https://www.calneconnected.org/pages/150th-celebrations

Celebrations of the past mentioned by Dr Kirk in the Celebrate Chapel included:

Celebration for the opening of the current school site in 1907

After opening the school on The Green, Calne on 20th January 1873, the school relocated to its current site in 1907.  This celebration took place in a grand opening on 24th October 1908. The Bishop of Salisbury dedicated the school and Lady Lansdowne, as guest of honour, presented the prizes.

The Wilts Gazette reported, ‘On the lawn in front of the house a procession was formed of the scholars, Miss Dyas and members of the staff, a surpliced choir led by Mr Pullein the organist, the clergy, the Bishop, Mrs Murray, the governors, parents and visitors. Psalms were sung as the company wound its way round the school.’

Then, in a marquee on the lawn, speeches were heard from the Vicar, Miss Dyas, Lady Lansdowne and The Rev Douglas Murray. Prizes were awarded and tea was served.

Celebrating 50 Years

In 1932, St Mary’s Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) was marked by the opening of the Jubilee Building – which comprised of an art studio, three small music rooms, woodwork room and the longed for science room – located where the Music School stands today. It was opened by Lady Lansdowne at the Jubilee Celebrations and was finished on the Friday night before Founders’ Day!

A Thanksgiving Service in the church, conducted by the Bishop of Salisbury, took place on the Monday followed by lunch in the Marquee and prize giving and speeches.

School’s Centenary in 1973

This took place under the new headmistress, Joyce Walters, who had taken over from Miss Gibbins. The celebration started on the Friday evening before Founders’ Day with a ‘Cheese and Wine’ party in the marquee followed by a performance of St Joan.

At the Saturday Service in the church, a trumpet fanfare heralded the arrival of the Bishop of Salisbury, governors, Miss Gibbins and Ms Walters. This was followed by a picnic lunch with trampolining, fencing, aikido and Scottish dancing displays. Russian, Spanish and German cookery was on show and a Marché Francais had stalls of pâté and gâteaux.  The Science staff ran sessions for testing blood groups and colour blindness and also made nylon.  Afterwards, there was a tree planting and Birthday Tea with a cake featuring 100 candles.

125th Anniversary in 1998

This was celebrated by the building of the indoor swimming pool and gym to replace the outdoor one. It was also marked by a wonderful celebration in Salisbury Cathedral attended by 1,200 people with readings drawn from old school records back to Canon Duncan’s Speech Day Address in 1896. The Old Girls decided to mark the landmark by launching an Anniversary Bursary Appeal.

135th Anniversary in 2008

In 2008, the 135th Anniversary was marked by a service in Salisbury Cathedral, led by the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborn. The congregation was treated to a special Requiem composed by David Bednall and sung by the Chamber Choir.

Millennium Celebrations in 2000

The Millennium Celebrations in 2000 were marked by the creation of an interactive sundial, placed near the Delscey Burns Theatre. Pupils from St Mary’s and St Margaret’s gave ideas and the final sundial included the signatures of staff and pupils etched in brass. Historical events from each century were depicted in granite and marble plaques. Buried nearby was a time capsule with photographs of the school, a copy of the timetable, a video of the school play and examples of pupil work. It will be dug up in 2073, the school’s 200th Anniversary. 

Thank you to Mrs Elizabeth Christie, School Archivist, for sourcing the images of past celebrations.