Last Saturday we had a wonderful afternoon with the school site open for London Open House.
Around 150 guests visited the school, with around 100 participating on the two scheduled 90 minute tours led by the school archivist. This is always a lovely occasion, as we often get to meet Old Emanuels whom we may have corresponded with for many years, but never met face to face. There were a number of OEs present on Saturday, including a few who are regulars at our reunion functions.
It was particularly nice to meet Mr Adrian Stockwell who has been a regular commentator on the Alumni Facebook page for several years, and he even wore his school cap from the mid 1970s. Other OE visitors included Brinsley Sheridan who left Emanuel in 1949 and 1969 leaver Brian Hipkin who coxed the legendary 1969 crew, which won the Schools’ Head of the River Race. Other guests included former Design and Technology teacher Mr Stuart Fairlamb who taught at Emanuel from 1980-2010, Christian Daly and Mark Bastable. We also allowed ‘Honourary OEs’ in the photos and to wear our famous caps – people who have a strong connection to the school through relatives.
Everyone enjoyed the photographic display in the library and a look around the school archive. Our next scheduled public tour will be in early June 2020 for Wandsworth Heritage Fortnight.
Tony Jones (Senior Librarian & Archivist)