Celebrate 200!

Ely Cathedral is the venue for a special celebration of 200 years of national schooling on Sunday 10 July (5.45pm).

The National Society (www.natsoc200.org.uk/) was established in 1811 and created over 17,000 church schools across the country in its first four decades, a significant number of which were in the Ely Diocese. Today there are 82 church schools in the Diocese with nearly 14,000 pupils.

Celebrate 200! will be led by the Bishop of Huntingdon, Dr David Thomson, and will showcase the creative talents of many of the pupils in today’s schools in an act of celebration and worship. The Service will also be attended by visitors from around the world who are coming to an International Consultation in Cambridge at the same time and also by a representative of today’s Church of England National Society which continues to support the Church’s work in education.

The Service will feature live performances by many children as well as a ‘big screen’ which will be used to give a flavour of the life of the schools across the Diocese.

Church members from all the parishes, staff and parents of schools and supporters of Christian education in the region are warmly invited to join the celebration.

Director of Education, Canon Tim Elbourne, said: “Celebrations are being held across the country throughout this very special year for church schools and Celebrate 200! promises to be a lively and moving occasion for the whole diocese.”

He added: “Our schools, of which we can be very proud, are a vitally important part of our common life and community. This is a special occasion for old and young alike which we hope and pray will be a great way for the people of the Diocese to express thanksgiving for their work and Christian witness….as well as being great fun for all who attend and take part.”

4th July 2011