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61 Merchant Taylors’ Prep School Newsletter - 16.12.2021 MTP Library Christmas Past, Present and Future CHRISTMAS PAST Here is a brief glimpse into the school’s archive. It has little to do with Dickens but does capture some of the spirit of past celebrations. 1935 Old Terryers’ Association erect a brass memorial in remembrance of Francis Terry by the North door in Holy Trinity Church (photo: 2010) 1930s-1950s - Speech Day is held in December before the school breaks up for the holiday 1974 The new Headmaster, John Sudbury and his wife Margaret, introduce the Christmas Feast as a tradition alongside a House Captain’s supper party 1922 Mr and Mrs Terry take up residence in the newly extended school (photo: 1920). 1981 The Sudbury’s obsession with unnamed uniform gives rise to the following version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ On the twelfth day of Holiday, the HMgave to me: Thirty grubby hankies, Twenty seven odd socks, Ten grey jerseys, Nine pairs of socks. Eight White vests, Seven odd shoes, Six white P.E. shirts, Five pairs of plimsolls, Four cricket sweaters, Three pairs of pants, Two football jerseys And a school tie – ALLMINUS ANAME! 1975 Party Games are organised after the Christmas Feast, including musical chairs, shoe chasing, passing the match nose to nose, what’s in your pocket. One boy was heard saying: “It would be worthwhile failing the Common Entrance to be at the Feast again next year”! 1984 Following the move to Moor Park in 1982, the main Hall is opened in time for the Christmas Feast. It is also used for Assembly, school lunch, P.E., wet games activities, as a classroom and for P.A. functions (photo: 1992) 1985 Silly Olympics replace party games after the Christmas Feast 1989 P.A. launch fundraising Christmas Party to buy a school bus 1991 Junior School opens with a hall of its own 1993 Tradition of the Christmas panto visit to Watford Palace is introduced