Mortimer Pockett, Grecians East, plays tenor saxophone in the Band and has been in the Band since the beginning of third form, although he started playing saxaphone when he started at CH. He is currently doing grade 8 this term.
Mortimer has kindly written a review of St. Matthews Day to share with Old Blues:

"Yet again the pupils of Christ’s Hospital astounded the citizens of London.

It was an early start for the Choir, Band, Deputy Grecians and Grecians on the 19th September to go to the annual St Matthew’s Day March. With memories of last year’s dreary, rainy day the pupils of Christ’s Hospital were eager to prove again how no matter the weather Housey will carry on. As everyone came off the coach the sun was beaming and everyone was buzzing to get going. As the Band and pupils were waiting for the choir to return from a rehearsal, a crowd started forming to see what was going on. Amongst this crowd were numerous Old Blues keen to see their beloved school carry on tradition. The Band started the parade with the brilliant march ‘On the Quarter Deck’.

A fact that no CH pupil can deny is the pride one feels when marching through the busy streets of London. Passers-by stop, workers come to a standstill, heads are turned in numerous cars and even the office workers in towering buildings are pulled to the windows to catch a glimpse of the unique parade. Yet, this did not put off the pupils, all carried on marching respectfully, with smiles all round. With this much attention everyone feels they must show the greatness of Housey.

The Band, led by Terry Whittingham, took the pupils and spectators to St Andrew’s Church playing pieces such as ‘Punjab’, Glorious Victory’, ‘The Contemptibles’ and ‘Light of Foot’. Once at the church a brilliant sermon was presented by Reverend Canon Dr Jane Hedges. The service itself was inspirational; the choir sang ‘Zadok the Priest’ which was very moving and as soon as the opening chords to ‘The Foundation Hymn’ started the CH pupils lifted the roof.

The parade then continued onto the Guildhall where everyone was to meet the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman David Lewis, and be presented with a Largess each. As the band played ‘Sussex by the Sea’, the remaining pupils marched into the tremendous building. It is always a pleasure to meet the Lord Mayor of London and when in his speech he mentioned how happy and proud he was to have CH back in the city the pupils could not be happier.

Once lunch was served and eaten, everyone formed outside the Guildhall awaiting the Lord Mayor to leave. As soon as he reached the door the Senior Grecian ordered three cheers for the hospitable Lord Mayor. As his car drew away the CH pupils were still buzzing and more than happy with what they had done throughout the long, tiring day.

Overall St Matthew’s Day was yet again a success. The CH pupils finished with pride in their school and excitement for the next march in a year’s time. Even though it was a last march for some (myself included) there is still the knowledge that CH pupils will carry on the brilliance of the parade in the future."

More photographs from St Matthew's Day are avaliable in the Event Galleries section of the CHA site.

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