TALLIS AT 50
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Tallis Tales

Nelson and Colin

3/10/2021

3 Comments

 
Picture
In July 1996 Nelson Mandela was visiting London and was due to speak to crowds outside the South African Embassy in Trafalgar Square. I had been teaching at Tallis since 1984, and my SRE students knew how much Mandela’s visit meant to all of us, how momentous an occasion this was. They begged to go and hear him - and this was literally the day before!
We would need immediate permission from the Headteacher, Colin Yardley.

If this had been any other school, it would have been a ‘no’ from the Head, due to the logistics of such a last minute arrangement. As we reminisce, I so clearly remember the Tallis way, with Colin at the helm - a ‘can do’ and ‘let’s make it happen’ approach to events. The massive enthusiasm of the students, who helped me to ask Colin, and my assurance that I would obtain all the parental permissions overnight, and bring these to him personally, was all we needed.

We went, and wow!! - it was the highlight of my career and a pinnacle of happiness for the whole group.

On their return to school, all the students rushed to find and thank Colin and regale him with the details of Mandela’s speech and of the euphoric atmosphere in Trafalgar Square.

-- Mandy O'Donnell (Hitchcock)
3 Comments
Anthony Hier
3/10/2021 11:18:44 am

Great Tale. Thanks for the memory Amanda!

Reply
Katie Kleyn
3/10/2021 09:16:12 pm

I started Tallis in 1996… and I vividly remember this picture having pride of place in the school reception during my years there! Lovely story and what a memory!

Reply
Jane Hogben
5/10/2021 06:30:28 pm

So nice to see this photo again , it brings back many memories and I will never forget this day either.
I too remember this hanging up in reception - we were very lucky to have Mandy Hitchcock as our SRE teacher and be given the opportunity to attend this momentous day !

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Thomas Tallis School
Kidbrooke Park Road
​London SE3 9PX
T: +44 (0)208 856 0115   
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  • Home
  • Tallis Tales
  • Daily Diary
    • September 2021
    • October 2021
    • November 2021
    • December 2021
    • January 2022
    • February 2022
    • March 2022
    • April 2022
    • May 2022
    • June 2022
    • July 2022
  • Events
    • Tallis at 50 Recital
    • Peter Phillips visit
    • Thomas Tallis Society Pop-up Performance
    • Tallis Tales Trail
    • Philosophy Conference
    • Summer Celebration
    • Tallis Time Capsule
  • Share
  • Contact