Speeches and Prize-Giving Saturday 14th July 2007

The academic year ended on Saturday 14th July with the traditional Speeches and Prize-Giving in Hereford Cathedral.

Mr Paul Smith, the Headmaster, in his address, thanked and praised his staff, both academic and non-academic, for their contribution that they have made in maintaining the continued success of Hereford Cathedral School over the past year. In particular he singled out the role of the school governors, who give generously their free time for the good of the school. He was delighted to be in a position to announce that planning permission had been granted for the new sports and science development and that work would start immediately, with an expected completion date of September 2008.

The occasion also marked the end of two distinguished careers. Mr Guy Rawlinson and Mrs Ann Bigley both retired at the end of this academic year. Mr Paul Smith praised the many and varied contributions that the two deputies have made to the growth and success of the school in their long and distinguished careers and wished them well in retirement.

The guest of honour was Mr Paul Thorburn OH. Paul joined the school in 1974 the youngest of three brothers. He soon made his mark as a games player; representing School and County in Athletics, Cricket and Rugby. At Swansea University Paul gained an Honours Degree in Microbiology. Whilst there he joined Neath RFC and played for Wales B and went to gain his first full cap against France in 1985. He gained a further 36 caps for Wales, 10 as Captain and became the then record points scorer for Wales.

Since retiring from playing, Paul has been involved in management with Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, Welsh Development Agency, Rugby World Cup 1999, and, since 2006, as Strategic Development Manager for Ospreys Rugby. Away from Rugby, Paul has given time for charitable fundraising, completing the Dublin Marathon and a 100 mile walk in 3 days for NSPCC.

His address carried a simple and very important message – practice creates your own luck; persevere, take the opportunities offered and enjoy the moment.