The Headmaster, Nicholas Weaver was joined by Miss Valerie Hill, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk and the service was led by School Chaplain, Reverend Holly Crompton-Battersby and the Reverend Tom Mumford, Vicar of St Mary Le Tower, which is the civic church of Ipswich. The congregation had time to reflect on the numerous people who over the centuries, have given funds, land and buildings to support the work of educating pupils at Ipswich School. Part of Mr Weaver's oratory thanked Old Ipswichians who have endowed bursaries and left substantial bequests to the School in recent years.

Head Girl, Alice Althern and Head Boy, Oliver Kinsman read the Bible readings which included part of chapter six of the first letter to Timothy, written by St Paul. This text was used by the guest preacher, the Venerable Rhiannon King, Archdeacon of Ipswich as the base of her sermon. She spoke about the importance of benefactors and philanthropists sharing their wealth with others and gave 21st century examples such as Ed Sheeran and Stormzy. Students were encouraged to consider the positive difference they can make to people's lives now by taking part in sponsored events to raise funds for causes close to their hearts.

The service was enhanced with singing by the Ipswich School Chapel Choir led by the Director of the Chapel Choir, Dominic Ellis-Peckham who sang three pieces, For the Beauty of the Earth, Ave Verum Corpus and The Angel Rolled The Stone Away.

The congregational singing was led by organist William Baldry and the final hymn included a trumpet descant by Ipswich School student, Niamh.

After the service the congregation made their way through the town back to the School where invited guests enjoyed a warming coffee in the Headmaster's Study.

If you would like to know more about giving to Ipswich School via the Bursary Fund, Phoenix Hardship Fund or if you are interested in joining the Elizabethan Society by leaving a gift in your will, please do contact Nikki Brown, Development Director, nlb@ipswich.school

More details can be found here https://oldipswichians.ipswich.school/supportus