Our new townsfolk had been eager to see inside the school grounds since arriving in Rugby and we were delighted to be able to show them around. Our forty new friends were taken on a tour of the Chapel, Quads, OBS and Upper Bench by Libby and Julie. The sun went down quickly after the group arrived, and the School almost shone in the lamp light with the glistening frost adding to the winter wonderland feel. The little ones were especially excited!

Our VIPs stopped at Old Boys Hall half-way through the tour to warm up, which had been beautifully decorated for Christmas, and Mandy (School House Matron) had a crackling fire, delicious hot chocolate and sweet treats waiting to welcome them.  There were gifts under the tree for the children from the RSE team. Smiling faces all around, and a few noses covered in squirty cream!  Our visitors told us how much they loved their visit, and before they went back into the night sang us a Ukrainian song as a token of their appreciation, which was a very emotional moment.

It was a privilege to be able to host this group, but we couldn’t have done it alone. Thanks to RSE, Jayne from Chartwells for providing the delicious snacks, Andrew Smith for offering OBH to host, and Mandy and SH catering for keeping the hot chocolate flowing. We are all very grateful and genuinely filled with the joy of the season.   

Annie Smith, School Shop Supervisor, Rugby School Shop