Speech Night - A Cut Above!

On 20th November 2014 Balshaw’s CE High School celebrated the success of its Pupils at the annual Speech Night with guest speaker, ex-Balshavian Michael Douglas.

Michael is a celebrity hairdresser cutting the hair of a number of our most stylish and famous stars.  For example, Michael styles Darcey Bussell’s hair for Strictly Come Dancing.  Recently he has entered our homes as a presenter on the BBC programme the One Show as well as taking part in a history documentary with his friend Dan Snow.  He entertained the audience with stories from his days as a Pupil at Balshaw’s.  The concept of the documentary National Treasures came from the idea that History was one of the subjects that he least enjoyed and could play the ‘history fool’ to Dan Snow’s history expertise!

Michael explained that we’re all on a journey.  Through his early years of deciding what he should do he was often not sure of his next steps.  Michael held the Hall in the palm of his hand as he took us from his effective death on the operating table to belly laughter in the next sentence.  The audience and year 11 leavers were able to take inspiration and motivational guidance as they begin their uncertain journeys into the future.

Jennifer Hebson, a Pupil at Balshaw’s, played the piano beautifully, to welcome guests to the evening’s events.  As well as the audience of former pupils, their parents and staff there were representatives from local industry such as Leyland Motors, The Mayor and Mayoress, Governors, Miss Venn and Mr Ingram former headteachers, the Archdeacon and other invited guests.

Between formal speeches from Tim Callaghan, Chair of Governors and Steve Haycocks, Headteacher those present enjoyed a performance by the Secret Voices Chamber Choir singing ‘Just the way you

Pupils achievements are recognised during the evening and presentations were undertaken by Michael Douglas, they included:

• Special trophies, including Lord Robens Trophy
• Special prizes for individual achievements
• Certificates for those with 100% attendance, for 1,2,3,4 or 5 years 100% attendance
• GSCE certificates. There were also some brave Staff who were there to collect their certificates for GSCE exams they undertook during Summer 2014!

Every year there is a House award ‘The Silver Griffin award, from the Old Boys’ Associations for Scholastic Merit.’ This is one of the most prestigious prizes as it is awarded to a whole house for a combination of house points, attendance, academic achievement, participation and many other areas of school life that.  This year the prize was wrestled from Cuerden after a long run of successes and was won by Worden House for 2014.

The Head Girl, Annabel and Head Boys, Ethan and Jordan gave a vote of thanks on behalf of Balshaw’s to guests and dignitaries and presented gifts.

The evening was concluded with a blessing by the Archdeacon and a rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’ by all attendees.

An enjoyable evening was had by all and thanks go to everyone who attended and for all those who helped to make it such an enjoyable evening. 

Speech Night 2014