Celebrating Dove Day 2024
26 June 2024 - All
After a year of hard work and in true Wycombe Abbey style, we celebrated the end of the academic year with Dove Day at the end of June. This year, we also marked the 80th anniversary of Glenn Miller’s visit to Wycombe Abbey during WWII, his last performance before his disappearance. We were delighted to host the Glenn Miller Orchestra for a special performance to acknowledge this.
The day began with a chapel service led by our School Chaplain, Rev Penny, and we were delighted to see so many parents join us for this service. As the doors of Chapel opened, the fête began. In the arena, we were treated to a wonderful gym and dance display that demonstrated incredible feats of athleticism and grace. The ever-popular Dog Show followed with dogs taking part in categories including waggiest tail and best trick. It was not just outside where the action was taking place; in Fisher Library, there were LAMDA performances, Duke of Edinburgh, Greenpower and the PE Department rowing challenge. There was also a special archive display featuring material from WWII when the School was requisitioned by the US Eighth Air Force, as well as Wycombe Abbey uniform through the ages in conjunction with our new uniform launch. In the Performing Arts Centre, GCSE and A level art adorned the walls for a wonderful exhibition of girls’ work.
Before long, everyone was on the move to the House Marquees. It was great to see parents, pupils, and staff sitting together, enjoying their picnics, and listening to music by our talented musicians. After lunch, the Chair of Council, Peter Warren, took the stage to give a speech commending the hard work and resilience of pupils, staff, and parents that had been demonstrated over the last year. We also heard from the Headmistress, Jo Duncan and the Head Girl Team. Mrs Duncan said, ‘Dove Day has quickly become one of my favourite days of the year and I think Dame Frances Dove herself would have been pleased with the genuine sense of joy, community and celebration that is evident.’
After the speeches, the Glenn Miller Orchestra delivered their first performance, setting a vibrant tone for the evening. This was followed by an outstanding Review Show featuring a selection of this year’s drama and music performances. The Glenn Miller Orchestra returned for a second performance to close Dove Day.
Named after our founder, Dame Frances Dove, Dove Day is a very special and unique event that many pupils, staff and Seniors have enjoyed and relished over the years. We are already looking forward to the next one.
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