MIDHURST Rother College celebrated the achivements of its students and the grand tradition of Gilbert Hannam Day on Thursday last week.

Marking the continuity of education in Midhurst of which Gilbert Hannam was an integral part, the day started with a traditional church service at St Mary Magdalene and St Denys for Year 11 and Year 13 students, followed by an awards ceremony in the evening.

In 1672, believing strongly in the importance of education, Gilbert Hannam set up a free school for 12 poor Protestant boys in a classroom in the loft of the Market House. He died in 1677 and stipulated in his will that each year, on the anniversary of his death, a service should be held in the parish church at which his scholars would pray for his soul.

This special church service continues the tradition of prayers for the soul of Gilbert Hannam, the sermon and the gift of a pair of gloves. Outgoing head boy and head girl, Joseph Ferris and Sophie Brownbill, presented a pair of leather gloves to Rev David Willis. The congregation enjoyed a rendition of Halleluiah by Handel, performed by Midhurst Rother College Orchestra.

Students and their families later attended the awards ceremony in the College Theatre. Prizes were presented by the guest of honour Richard Cox. He attended Midhurst Grammar School during the 1970s and then read history at The University of East Anglia.

He co-founded the brand purpose agency MullenLowe Salt in 2000 and his work has been recognised with a Public Relations and Communications Association outstanding contribution award for changing the way public relations is viewed by multi-national businesses.

The evening also saw students and alumni receive endowments from the trustees of the Gilbert Hannam Education Foundation.

The students, staff and governors of Midhurst Rother College would also like to thank the Gilbert Hannam Education Foundation for its continued support and particularly for its sponsorship of Gilbert Hannam Day. Thanks also to Mr Willis and the church’s staff and volunteers.