Cooper’s once again produced its biennial extravaganza on Wednesday 7th July. Of the many activities, particular favourites were, as always, Soak the Teacher and Teachers in Stocks. There was no lack of staff victims or boys willing to test their accuracy against the reward of seeing a teacher drenched. It has to be said, however, that amongst the smiles lurked one or two more Machiavellian expressions which hinted at darker agendas!
A new activity was the Sumo Wrestling in the east quad. Business was very brisk, and bouts which threatened untold savagery were fortunately rendered relatively innocuous by the unwieldy nature of the costumes and the lack of sharp edges. Boys who like breaking things were catered for by the Crockery Smash and the Target Boules. Those of a more mainstream sporting bent entered 6-a-side football, table tennis, and target golf competitions.
Pop Idols wannabees made their way to the Large Lecture Theatre to try the Karaoke. The under-15 rugby team did a superb impression of a boy band – or was it the boy band that had masqueraded as a rugby team all year?? Other activities included Penalty Shoot-Out, Staff Photos and Computer Games. Appetites were whetted and assuaged at the cakes and drinks stall, and by fast food being prepared by a posse of scouts.
My thanks go to everyone who took part, to members of staff without whose sense of fun and sacrifice the occasion could not happen, to all those who contributed prizes and cakes, and to caretaking and cleaning staff who put up with the extra mess.
This year we raised a record sum of £2600, which delighted Gill Hunter, and which will, as always, put smiles on many more faces in Malawi when she uses it to help boys and girls gain access to vital education.
