When Dr Rutter entered the Upper Hall
he found it packed and complete with an orchestra
of past pupils and parents.
What was going on?

The orchestra played ...

Mr Rutter recognised the tune, one he'd written years ago 
as a starter piece for the school orchestra.
But it was different, much more elaborate, difficult.

At the end all was revealed, Eleanor Hall, a pupil from a few years back,
had written a set of variations on the tune,
and over the past week these friends had got together and rehearsed it
in the evenings - what a farewell present!

Then another link with the past.
For the first time for a number of years there had been a swimming gala.
In Dr Rutter's first full year (1990-91) Breakspear had won the gala.
And now, in his last, they had won again!
(Actually they had also won quite a few times in between)
Time to present the medals - every swimmer had at least one gold!

For years we had been giving Star of the Week certificates to children.
This week it was Dr Rutter's turn to receive a certificate - 
one from every Junior child!

The Parents' Association had a gift for Dr Rutter. 
Like all Year 6 pupils who get an autograph book, this was
a book that included a contribution from every child in the school 
- Nursery through to Year 6.

Another present?!

A beautifully illustrated copy of The Iron Man
(it was well known that Dr Rutter's copy 
was falling to pieces through frequent use.)
And who wrote it?

Of course we know - Ted Hughes!

Next, a CD of the summer concert 
- covertly recorded by Mr Tucker.

And a picture to go with it.

Then something that really took Dr Rutter's breath away,
something he'd wanted for many years,
a signed print by the artist John Piper.

To conclude what had been an extraordinary morning,
after a few thoughtful words ...

Year 6 sang the song they always sing in their final presentation -
'Autumn turns to Winter'
This invariably brought tears to Dr Rutter's eyes
and this occasion was no exception.

So to cheer him up and send him on his way -
a specially arranged version of the Hornpipe
so often played on the Last Night of the Proms
sung by staff and Year 6 - complete with appropriate flags!

      
Staff Past and Present
12 December '14
    

      
Infant Assembly
18 December '14