Return of Speech Day

So, the end of another academic year and, this time, a blast from the past.  Those who, like me, remember the formal speech days of the 50s and 60s at the Free Trade Hall (all governors' wives and hats, it seemed) or the even earlier ones at the Palace Theatre, will be interested to know that an MGS Speech Day in a major city-centre venue is back.

Now in the Bridgewater Hall, and more a Prizegiving than a Speech Day, accommodating exactly half the pupils of the school and their families.  So, in alternate years, boys will attend and, if they have achieved distinction in academic or other fields, will take the stage in groups for the audience's applause - nice touch, this, so that the audience doesn't feel obliged to provide almost continuous applause for a crocodile of boys crossing the stage.

There was no distinguished visitor to present prizes and distribute wisdom - just an in-house set of short presentations given by the High Master and senior staff, interspersed by wonderful music from different ensembles and soloists.  A most enjoyable early evening outing - with a 6 o'clock start we were all free to hit the town at half past seven.