Alumni from around the world join George Briggs’ online event
"John’s accompanying stories were very memory-provoking and the videos of various renditions highly meaningful (and amusing!)"
Clapping, singing, nodding, and cheering were the many actions of our guests who attended last night’s online event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the School Hymn by George Wallace Briggs – which was broadcast live into alumni lounges and living rooms!
Hosted by LGS archivist John Weitzel and the Development Team, the fascinating talk saw alumni tune in from countries across the world including Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, the USA and even, Australia, to hear about the history of the much-loved School Hymn and its creator George Briggs.
John expertly guided the audience through the years focussing on the life of George Briggs, the introduction of the Burton Service and Founders Day. It was also a special opportunity for guests to hear the newly orchestrated version of the hymn, which was first played at last month’s Spring Concert at De Montfort Hall – with the recording being made available especially for this event.
The audience were thrilled to hear this, with many guests clapping and waving along to the joyful version. Guests were also treated to hear the ‘muppets version’ of the hymn, a particular favourite of Johns, and the version that was put together in lockdown during 2020.
Lesley Jones (nee Armstrong, LHS 1975) says: ‘Thank you for tonight’s presentation, it was a huge success. It was so well researched and presented, and much enjoyed by me. I particularly liked singing along and could almost remember all of the words.’
Geoff Ledger (LGS 1977) found the talk fascinating, he says; ‘John’s accompanying stories were very memory-provoking and the videos of various renditions highly meaningful (and amusing!) I can only imagine the immense amount of work that went into its preparation and technical set up.’
In the Q&A session that took place at the end of the talk, alumni took the opportunity to thank John for his talk and also used it to reconnect with each other. Caroline Sharpe (LHS 1997) announced and informed alumni (via the chatbox) that she will be playing the hymn on Loughborough’s famous Carillon on 16 June to mark Heritage weekend and the centenary of the hymn.
To watch the recording of this online event click here: https://vimeo.com/935916670?share=copy
