Friday 6 May saw the CCF’s Biennial inspection. Our inspecting officer was Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Nigel Maddox. After initially meeting the OCs of the sections the Air Vice Marshal listened to lecturettes delivered with panache by selected cadets talking on topics ranging from Exercise Combat Cadet, RAF course, RN field day and DofE. He then went to see the contingent on parade and inspect the quarter guard and the front rank of each section. Whilst the warm sunshine was lovely for the spectators, it was tough for our younger cadets to have to stand still for so long; they coped remarkably well.
With the contingent inspected and fallen out to their duties the Air Vice Marshal, guests and spectators were treated to displays by our corps of drums and Army section. Senior cadet Verity Jackson then led a tour of the cadets’ training activities, taking in the zip wire, obstacle course and low wires along with air rifle shooting, cooking in the field, signals and much else besides. The Air Vice Marshal even went head-to-head with Mr Tetley on the paintball stand; diplomatically, the Headmaster let him win.
With training complete, everyone reconvened in the Dome to see the much-anticipated RAF drill display. With a large crowd waiting in anticipation the lights went off and music from ‘Thriller’ began. In total darkness the drill team, each member lit up with fluorescent lights, performed their display with no words of command and without fault. Brilliant: it was something no one had seen before and was definitely worth the wait.
The Gun Run, the finale to the Trower Trophy, brought the day to a dramatic close: 1 Platoon from the Army section were the victors by a whisker, though not by enough to win the Trower Trophy outright. RAF’s A Flight and 1 Platoon share the Trophy this year. At final parade the Air Vice Marshal praised the contingent as a model of professionalism and enthusiasm, and in turn was delighted to receive gifts from Verity to thank him for his time and very generous words. All in all it was a wonderful day; once again our cadets did us proud!
LONDON TO WOODBRIDGE BIKE RIDE
There’s still time to sign up! If you are interested, please email Mr Streat at mstreat@woodbridgeschool.org.uk. We drive to London on Friday 17 June; we cycle back on Saturday!
MUSIC NEWS & ACTIVITIES
OPEN MIC NIGHT WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE
The popular music department will be pioneering this event this year. The venue is the Theatre Foyer and it will run from 7.30pm. The idea is to create the feel of a proper ‘gig’ so attendance by parents and staff, as well as the pupils, will be most welcome - and the bar will be open as an additional incentive! The evening will be divided into slots so performers can present more than one piece/song in their slot up to a maximum time of 10 minutes. Full PA, drum kit, guitar and bass amps and electric piano will be available. Backing tracks/accompaniment can be arranged too! This event is open to all students whether singing or playing an instrument; they do not even have to be taking lessons, either in or out of school. Solo or group performances are welcome.
Pupils wanting to perform will need to complete the forms held with tutors and in the music school, and rush them to Miss Foster (pigeon hole, popular music studio or email ellenfostermusic@gmail.com) by half term please!
Roll over the Stones, here comes Woodbridge.
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: YEAR 9
Wednesday 15 June 1.40 pm
Music School
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: YEAR 10
Tuesday 28 June 1.40 pm
Music School
CONCERTO CONCERT
Wednesday 29 June 7.30 pm
St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge
PIANO CONCERT
Monday 27 June 7.30 pm
School Hall
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: YEAR 7
Wednesday 29 June 1.15 pm
Music School
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: YEAR 8
Thursday 30 June 1.40 pm
Music School
JOHN STAFFORD MEMORIAL CONCERT
Thursday 30 June 7.30 pm
St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge
Tickets: Free but booking essential - www.ticketsource.co.uk/seckfordtheatre
Music and observations reflecting the life and music of John Stafford, an incredibly talented musician and teacher. Featuring arrangements by John for the Woodbridge School Concert Band together with performance by OWs and current pupils. The concert will be followed by a reception at the Abbey Hall.
DRAMA NEWS & ACTIVITIES
EVERYBODY DANCE NOW
Sunday 12 June 5.30 pm
Tickets: £12 Adults £8 Concessions (w.s.o.d@live.co.uk/ 07944 520890)
An evening of song and dance with a variety of feel good songs, old and new, to make you to want to get up off your seat and join in!
Showcasing all of our dance styles including Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern, Musical Theatre, Cheerleading and Contemporary – there is something for everyone.
Principal: Miss Lauren Clarke
LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST
Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 June 8pm
Senior School Chapel Lawn (Theatre in adverse weather)
Tickets: Free (www.ticketsource.co.uk/seckfordtheatre)
Year 9 takes on one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies
Ferdinand, King of Navarre, their leader, goes so far as to decree that no women will be allowed within a mile of his court, a plan that his colleagues Dumaine, Longaville and Berowne champion with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Though these men put on robes, you’ll wonder if they should be fitted for dunce caps for thinking that such a plan will succeed.
SPORT NEWS
EASTERN REGION HOCKEY
Many congratulations to Tildy Paul who has gained selection, one of just 25 girls to do so, to the Eastern region hockey junior performance centre (JRPC) which draws on pupils from as far afield as Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire and Norfolk as well as Suffolk. If all goes well, her season could end with selection for the regional team to play in the national championships.
SUFFOLK HOCKEY: REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
Oliver 3rd from left, Alex 4th from left both in the back row
Many congratulations to Oliver Juszt and Alex Weir-Simmons who were selected to play for Suffolk in the recent regional U15 championships at the UEA. Playing Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Hertfordshire, Suffolk worked their socks off in the heat, and won through to the final against Essex. A thrilling game ended 2-2, leaving the outcome down to the dreaded penalty shootout. In dramatic circumstances and under intense pressure, Oliver and Alex effectively took centre-stage: Oliver, in goal, stayed calm and resolute, and Alex took the final shot to win the tournament for Suffolk after Essex had one disallowed, having not waited for the referee’s whistle… It was a fantastic experience for both boys and one they won't forget in a hurry.
ATHLETICS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
It was a lovely sunny day at the track and field championships at Bury St Edmunds recently. Woodbridge took 24 athletes, both girls and boys, between Years 8-13. An amazing 50% qualified for selection to the county team which will travel to Norwich on the 19 June. Should the county team do well, then the Nationals beckon: Gateshead on 8/9 July!
First place results were recorded by Laura Graham in Javelin and Discus, Sophie Graham in Javelin and Discus, Nathan Goddard in the 1500m, Alex Weir-Simmons in Discus, William Joannès in Long Jump and Maddie Craig in 300m hurdles. Also qualifying in second place were Oliver Juszt in Shot, Sarah Barker in the 1500m, Amy Graham in the 800m, Joanne Garnett in Discus, Oscar Butcher in Triple Jump, Rosa McInerney in High Jump, Connor Grant in the 3000m and William Joannès in the 400m.
Congratulations should also go to Georgia Harrold who progressed to the 100m final and came 4th out of 50 competitors and Alex Weir-Simmons who made the 100m and 200m finals out of around 50 runners.
We would like to thank Mark Goddard for his continued support and training with our middle distance runners and Mr Graham for his excellent coaching with both Javelin and Discus.
NATIONAL SWIMMING SUCCESS FOR FRASER JOHNSON
The Abbey has a national swimming finalist in its midst! Fraser Johnson reached the final of the 25m butterfly, for Year 6, at the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) swimming finals - a tremendous achievement!
Over 4200 children, from 400 schools across the length and breadth of the country took part in the regional heats earlier this year. Fraser achieved one of the fastest 16 qualifying times, for year 6 boys 25m butterfly. The IAPS swimming national finals took place at the K2 centre in Crawley, East Sussex on 7th May. Against fierce competition from schools with the most formidable swimming teams in the country, Fraser won a place in the national final, confirming his place as one of the best. Many congratulations Fraser on such a magnificent performance.
Fraser swims for the Deben swimming club and has also been selected to represent Suffolk at regional swimming galas. Many Olympic stars and national representatives began their careers in IAPS schools - who knows what the future might hold for Fraser?!
U12A ROUNDERS V ORWELL PARK
The U12 A rounders team had an enjoyable match against Orwell Park today. The team was depleted as some of the girls had been picked to play cricket instead. Woodbridge fielded first. Jo Dunmore had never bowled before but worked hard at delivering some difficult balls. On second post Cordelia showed excellent catching skills and managed to get four girls out from Orwell Park. At second deep Issy Eaton had two lovely catches and fielded the ball quickly and effectively. Ariane was also quick to react on fourth getting two girls out. In bat Woodbridge tried hard to find the gaps. Issy managed to hit 3 beautiful shots around the pitch, scoring 2 ½ rounders in the first innings. In the second half Orwell Park were not so productive and only scored 4 ½ rounders. Unfortunately in the second innings Issy was caught out on her first ball. However, the girls worked hard and Cecily scored a beautiful rounder in the closing minutes of the game. It was a close match but the final score was 11-9 to Orwell Park.
CRICKET: U13B VS HOLMWOOD HOUSE (WOODBRIDGE WIN BY 8 WICKETS)
Holmwood 90 all out (18.4 overs)
Woodbridge 94-2 (in 16.4 overs) (4 batsmen retired to allow others to bat)
A very enthusiastic group of players took on Holwood House in their first match of the season. The team showed good team work and was extremely well led by co-captains Miles Fry and Sophie Harper.
Winning the toss and bowling first, Woodbridge impressed with their line and length. They took wickets at regular intervals and made it difficult for Holmwood House to score by working well in the field. The tone was set for the innings with Tom Scoggins producing an excellent first over, conceding just one run. This was followed up by some fast bowling by Sophie Harper in the second over and an opportunistic run out by Arthur Bartlett, hitting the stumps with a hard throw.
The Woodbridge bowling figures make for impressive reading, dismissing Holmwood House for 90 in the 19th over. The nine bowlers worked well in tandem to build pressure, and not a chance was wasted in the field.
Top bowling figures were:
Tom Scoggins: 3 for 4 from 3 overs
Sam Betteridge: 2 for 0 from 1.4 overs
Other wicket takers: Ben Oates, Hal Ottley, Rohan Franklin, Mak Zie
Woodbridge built their innings slowly to ensure they reached their target. Sam Betteridge and Alex Hammond got themselves set before starting to play shots in pushing the singles. Sam was unbeaten on 14 (from 22 balls), scoring 2 fours, and Alex on 11 (from 23 balls) before retiring. Sophie Harper and Arthur Bartlett picked up the scoring rate, firstly with some adventurous running between the wickets, and then by some quality shots. Arthur top-scored with 16 (from 19 balls) and Sophie scored 14 (from 14 balls) before retiring. Mak Zie and Miles Fry then stepped up to see the innings through, Mak scoring a four in the 17th over to take the win.
Top Scorers:
Arthur Bartlett 16 (from 19)
Sophie Harper 14 (from 14)
Sam Betteridge 14 (from 22)
Alex Hammond 11 (from 23)
This was a very positive team performance and the players can feel very proud. Well done.
TENNIS MATCHES REPORTS
The tennis season has started well for most teams at school. A number of fixtures have already been played.
U15A GIRLS
The U15A girls produced a big upset when they beat the very strong, and well favoured team from Culford. The match is a highlight for various reasons. Saffron Holliday, in Year 8, stepped into the team and played with confidence. She won her singles and also teamed up with no.1, Harriet Petley to ultimately defeat Culford in a tie-break shoot-out when rubbers were even after 4 singles and 2 doubles matches. Flora Johnston also made her tennis debut for the school, winning her singles with a smile on her face. Harriet Petley once again proved her strength beating her no.1 counterpart 6-3. A fantastic win by the team.
In their 2nd match the U15A team comfortably beat Ipswich School. This time Freya Huxley and Annabel Yates (Y8) joined Harriet Petley and Amy Graham in the team. All four players won their singles and also the 2 doubles matches. In total 36 games won, and only 8 conceded.
U15B GIRLS
A very young U15B team started the term well with a win over Thomas Mills. Saffron Holliday, Annabel Yates, Libby Martin and Laura Golding (all in Year 8) combined well to out play their opponents on a lovely sunny afternoon. Saffron, Annabel and Laura won their singles, and this with one doubles win, was enough to seal the tie.
U13A GIRLS
The U13A girls kicked off their season with a convincing 12-0 win over Ipswich School (winning all 6 rubbers). Issy Eaton lead the charge with a 6-0 win in her singles and a 6-0 win in doubles, pairing up with Emma Trebilcock. Victoria Burrows and Sophie Graham both won their matches 6-0. The team only lost 2 games, winning 36, in a near perfect performance.
U13B GIRLS
The U13B girls played Pakefield, winning the fixture 12-0. The team was represented by Ella Walker, Olivia Buchanan, Clara Simpson and Molly Marshall.
U13A BOYS
The U13A boys have had a busy start. First they played Culford, who proved just a bit too strong. Alex Hammond, Reace Figaji and Mak Zie all played good singles matches but could just not break down their opponents once they went down a few breaks. Seb Gifford played well in his singles to secure a 6-3 win. Culford won the tie 10-2
Next up was Ipswich School. This time the Woodbridge team was too strong, winning the fixture 12-0. The boys only dropped 2 games during the 4 singles and 2 doubles matches.
The fixture against Orwell Park proved to be the most excited. The teams were evenly matched and produced good quality tennis. Alex Hammond, Reace Figaji and Seb Gifford were disappointed to lose leads in their singles and had to settle for a 4-6 loss. Mak Zie produced a very good 6-0 win, although the match was much tougher than the score line suggests. Mak and Seb won their doubles match but it was not quite enough and Orwell Park won the fixture 8-4. Well done to the team on playing some great tennis.
U13B BOYS
With many keen tennis players around, the U13B team have featured different players in the two fixtures. First up was a tough match against Brandeston Hall, who proved to be much more experienced. Saif Toubasey, Daniel Norman, Charles Tetley and Tom Harper played their hearts out but could just not break through. Woodbridge had to settle with a loss this time round.
Next up was Thomas Mills. This time Woodbridge was the dominating force. Giles Kelleway and Jack Christey won their singles and doubles. While Hal Ottley and Max Ashken worked well as a team to win their doubles match. Hal was also involved in a very exciting match, losing the set 6-7 in the tie-break.
U15A BOYS
The U15A team had a very exciting first match against Ipswich School. Oriol Valsells and Sam Bryant secured a good doubles win, while Oriol also won his singles match. Eden Wigzell and Oliver Bacon played good tennis in their doubles but Ipswich was just a bit too strong. Oliver Bacon played a quality singles match to try force the fixture into a shoot-out but had to settle for a 3-6 loss in the end; Ipswich School winning the tie 8-4.
U15B BOYS
The U15B team beat Pakefield in their first fixture. James Martin played a great game as no.1, but unfortunately this is not reflected in the score line for his match. Seb Lamb, Oriol Valsells and Sam Bryant won their singles, and this with one doubles win, was enough to win the tie 8-4 for Woodbridge.
The team beat Pakefield 12-0. Charlie Garnham, Seb Lamb, Charlie Mayhew and Sam Bryant were dominant in their play, winning all the singles and doubles. Some exciting tennis, and Charlie Mayhew involved in a marathon game lasting more than half an hour.
WSPA EVENTS
WSPA COFFEE & CROISSANTS
Wednesday 18 May 8.30am & Friday 1 July 8.30am
Tuckwell Room, Woodbridge School
An evening of song and dance with a variety of feel good songs, old and new, to make you to want to get up off your seat and join in!
Ferdinand, King of Navarre, their leader, goes so far as to decree that no women will be allowed within a mile of his court, a plan that his colleagues Dumaine, Longaville and Berowne champion with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Though these men put on robes, you’ll wonder if they should be fitted for dunce caps for thinking that such a plan will succeed.
WSPA COFFEE & CROISSANTS
