Elstree Bonfire and Fireworks Night

What a fantastic evening! The wonderful Friends of Elstree team had worked so hard to make it a night to remember.  Above all, it was extra special to be able to celebrate together having had a “closed” event last year.

Amazing array of stalls

The Pre-Prep children and parents had a preview of the stalls before the Festivities officially started – and what a choice there was. There was a Shaken Udder Milkshake Bar, a Vintage Sweet Stall, a Hot Chocolate Bar, Popcorn, Hot Dogs, Neon Headbands, Wristbands, Finger Torches and Slapbands, an Autumn Produce stall selling wholesome winter goodies and the ever popular Bottle Tombola. The Grown Up Bar sold out of their delicious mulled wine and gourmet sausage and vegan rolls.  The Spiced Apple Winter Warmer, Ramsbury Gold, fizz and wine were also a real hit with the parents.  The Elstree branded sloe gin by Wiltshire Liqueurs was a brilliant addition to the Bar.

The rest of the pupils descended on Yard and the Terrace in a flurry of excitement.  Pocket money was spent, headbands and wristbands modelled and tasty treats were bought and consumed.

Year 8 Helpers

We had so many offers to run the stalls including the Year 8’s who help as part of their Elstree Award.  They should be proud of themselves as many commented how friendly and efficient they were.  One parent commented:

“The Year 8 helpers were truly amazing: selling hard, personable, reliable and very friendly. I was truly impressed and cannot wait for my son to grow and flow the same path.”

Bonfire and Fireworks

Leading up to the event, Head of Art Mrs Syckelmoore had enlisted some eager helpers to make the Guy.   He looked very relaxed as he sat in the Main Hall for a few days which added to the intrigue and thrill of the big day itself. 

Following in Elstree tradition, the youngest child in the school has the privilege of helping Headmaster Mr Inglis light the bonfire. This year, Lance (3CMS) enjoyed this exciting role.

The fireworks soon followed and were magnificent.  As a result, there was much cheering as one firework followed another, and another. Illuminating Park as they soared into the sky, the atmosphere amongst the children (and parents and staff!) was buzzing.

Back to the Terrace for excited chatter about the fireworks whilst listening to the tunes spilling out of the Long Room.  Boarders went to bed reluctantly and day boys and girls headed home after a magical family evening of fresh air and fun.

All proceeds from the evening will be split between PALS West Berkshire and the Low Ropes Course improvements.

Thank you to our groundsmen, who did an incredible job building the bonfire and organising the fireworks. A special thank you to everyone else involved, especially Didi and her Friends of Elstree team and for all our generous supporters.