Despite the very rainy afternoon, the weather held and the 2021 SJCS Parents' Association fireworks were back with a bang on 3 November 2021. After having to cancel last year due to Covid, it was wonderful to see so many parents, children and staff out and enjoying the spectacular display with up to 900 enjoying the much anticipated event.
The school Maintenance and Catering teams were on hand early to smooth the way, setting up tables, ropes, lights and more. Working behind the scenes, their hard work often goes unnoticed but is always much appreciated as they brought out everything needed for the night. Head of Catering, Mr Richard Goldby, and the catering team turned out in force to provide an unprecedented amount of hot dogs for the hungry crowds, with added doughnuts, mulled wine and hot chocolate sold by a brilliant team of hard-working volunteers.
Parents’ Association Committee Member, Mrs Katy Bowsher, explained, “Excited children and their families poured in at the earlier time of 5.45, friends were greeted and the field rang with the sound of high little voices, revelling in the excitement of being out after dark and with something amazing to look forward to. With a few minutes to go, Headmaster, Mr Neil Chippington, grabbed his loud hailer and anticipation and excitement levels reached a peak. The countdown was joined enthusiastically and the display began. The fireworks did not disappoint, sparkles, stars and showers of colours pulled every eye upward, with shouts and cheers for the biggest booms of sound and blooms of light."
Mrs Nicole Holmes, Chair of the Parents’ Association said, “We are so grateful to the St John’s College groundsmen for allowing us the use of the playing fields. Our PA team and our amazing parent and staff volunteers were all out in force, helping every part of the night to be an amazing success; we couldn’t have done it without you. We had the biggest attendance in recent years and are grateful to everyone who came and supported the school and the PA Charity. Thank you to you all.”