Beginning of Year Service at Blackburn Cathedral
Pupils, students, staff, and guests joined together at Blackburn Cathedral for our annual Beginning of Year Service, led by The Reverend James Lawrence, Canon Missioner, who warmly welcomed the whole school community.
This year, in Mrs Gammon’s words of introduction, we were asked to reflect on kindness, readiness to learn, resilience, and respectfulness. We also extended a special welcome to all those who have joined Queen Elizabeth’s this term, ensuring that the warmth and friendship for which our school is renowned is offered to every newcomer. Together, we look forward to helping one another lead fulfilling and successful lives in the months and years ahead.
Our school choir, under the direction of Miss Cockshott, Subject Lead for Music, opened the service with O Worship the King and a traditional Swahili song, Si Njay, Njay, Njay.
This was followed by a reading, First Lesson – The Flower Garden by L. Hollings, read by Senior Prefect, Muhammed Zayd, and a beautiful solo, The Little Rose by W. Roy, performed by Year 13 student, Lydia Swindell. Senior Prefect Zahra Ashraf then gave the second reading, 1 Corinthians 12 vv 12–20, after which Jentzen Volante, Year 8, gave a moving solo of Ave Maria by S. Lindley.
The Reverend James Lawrence delivered the address before the choir performed Let All the World in Every Corner Sing. This was followed by a solo piano performance, Jardins Sous La Pluie by Debussy, from Year 13 student, Larry Vidler.
Prayers were read by several QEGS pupils, and the Lord’s Prayer was led by Head Girl, Noor Fatima. The choir then sang the traditional Zulu hymn Siyahamba, before Reverend Lawrence gave the final prayers and blessing.
It was a truly beautiful service, filled with warmth, reflection, and hope for the year ahead.
Thank you to all our pupils, students, and staff who represented QEGS—you made Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School proud.
