Master cuts the ribbon of supported school’s DT block

Master David Woodward had the honour of officially opening the remodelled design technology centre at John Hampden Grammar School in November.

The grand opening took place at the Buckinghamshire school on Thursday 11 November.

The new workshops and classrooms have been in use for a year, but the official opening was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Master was joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by other members, including Past Masters Charles Vernon and Tony Smart. A plaque commemorating the opening will adorn a wall of the block.

Master David Woodward said: “My visit to the John Hamden School to open their amazing new design and technology department proved to be one of the highlights of my term as Master. All schools should be like this one – the facilities are amazing and the staff are clearly dedicated to providing the best possible education to their students.”

A John Hampden spokesperson said: “We were very happy to have company members, some of whom were JHGS alumni themselves, at the event to talk to current students. Mr Woodward and Dr Smart judged a range of coffee tables made by our previous year 11 class, awarding prizes to Ben and Kiran.”

The Master added: “Judging the pieces made by the students was difficult because they were all extremely well made. The two winners just pipped the rest. It was also a pleasure talking to the students who are clearly inspired by their teachers. It makes me very proud that the Furniture Makers support this school.”

John Hampden receives aid as part of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s Supported Schools initiative.