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We were blessed with the most glorious weather for this spectacular occasion, celebrating 90 years since the foundation of St Edward’s House and wishing Fr Edward Corbould a belated very happy 90th birthday. Over 250 guests queued up to say hello to Fr Edward on their way into the Chelsea Physic Garden, enabling him to spend time with every person there. Unlike a traditional House reunion, this special evening was opened up to wives, parents and other friends of the House, enabling so many to come together, reconnect and reminisce.

Fr Edward began the speeches with his memories of the two Housemasters who preceeded him, Fr Raphael and Fr Jerome, and thanked all attending from the bottom of his heart. He was followed by a speech on behalf of the House by Lawrence Brennan (E91), a moving tribute to the “Housemaster in Perpetuity”, recognising the incredible guidance a friendship Fr Edward has shown well beyond his time as Housemaster. Peter Roberts, Headmaster, told an amusing story of his first visit to St Edward’s on a wintery night in the early 1990s when he and a group had found themselves lost on the North York Moors. He thanked Fr Edward for his continuing dedication and contribution to the school and was able to draw attention to the St Edward’s Bursary Fund Appeal, which is now underway and will be a fitting tribute to Fr Edward’s legacy at the school.

The wine and beer flowed throughout the evening, and the assembled guests eventually had to be herded out of the garden at closing time when Fr Edward was whisked home by his nephew for a well-earned rest after a wonderful night.

We look forward to the 100th anniversary!

For those wishing to purchase a copy of Fr Edward’s book – a photographic memoir of the St Edward’s Garden and the boys who created it – you can do so online via https://www.blurb.co.uk/b/11576473-st-edward-s-house-garden