Christmas 2007 Print E-mail

What do the Boarders do at Christmas?

Here is the latest Boarders' Christmas Dinner, 2007, to give you an idea.

The Carol Singing

This takes place at around 6.30pm, in the Front Hall.It is one of the great Caldicott traditions, and has been going on, certainly since before I arrived seventeen years ago. Before the carols the boarders go to their dormitories to change into formal dress, complete with blazers and white shirts, and then assemble in the Front Hall. Mr Paget is, of course, the maestro of the keyboard, words are handed out, and carols are sung, including a special one written by an ex-teacher at Caldicott.

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The picture below shows the scene, staff singing with the boys. Many of the boys here are new boarders, and all of them enjoying their first Caldicott Christmas.
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I think this is the best part of Christmas.
 
Then the Food

With the chefs and their staff having spent most of the day in preparation, the time comes for the boys to finish the carols and move into the dining room. It is a long afternoon for Miss Riddell to set up the tables (with boy helpers). It looks spectacular, and every guest (including the boys) has a hand-written italic label!

 

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Set up and ready to go
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And the Chefs are nearly done, having started that morning 

The meal (more than just sprouts, though a Christmas Dinner just wouldn't be right without them!) is served by dining room staff, and then it is time for the staff to have an intelligent after-dinner conversation. The boarders, of course, choose rather livelier activities - though never excessive, of course. Below, the Headmaster lights the candles. Several new boys here.

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Several new boys here. 
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At the back, two new boys having a go at the activity sheet.
In the foreground are two experienced boys. Oliver is showing off his sheet, and Daniel has his elbow on the table. Surely not!
By the way, can you see the sprouts on Daniel's plate? 

The Presents

After the meal, and the applause for the staff and farewells to any who are leaving, it is back to the Front Hall for the present-giving. Santa, aka Musty, arrives (the real one can't come, as he is busy getting ready for his big day), and every boarder receives his gift. They have a few minutes to play with them before the entertainment.

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Above we see Lars opening his present. Good job Mr Snyman is helping to tidy up. 
 

The Entertainment

Groups of boys and staff get together to produce a 'variety' show for the boys. This rounds off the evening, and then to bed, and home for the holidays next day. 

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 Mr Fletcher, Master of Ceremonies  T Curzon, Head Boy
 
 
 

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