Objects of Substance- Speech Day Tablecloth

These 1942 students were special in one way and typical in another. They were students trained to cope with World War II bombings, carrying from the classroom to a prepared trench, a “square of khaki, a sit upon, and a peg” when a city-wide alarm was sounded. The square of khaki was designed to cover the white blouse and hat, the “sit upon” provided a seat if the trench was waterlogged, and the peg was meant to be placed between the teeth to prevent concussion. On the other hand, they also experienced all the traditional activities of a Grammar girl: they held positions of responsibility, played sport, performed in concerts, played instruments, sang hymns in assembly every morning, attended classes, studied hard, and sat for examinations. Eight prefects lead the School, and eighteen of the cohort successfully sat the Senior Public examinations. Noel Turnbull received the Special Prize for Sewing – the Boarders’ Prize. Perhaps, with these credentials, Noel took particular interest in the creation of the 1992 Speech Day tablecloth. Their memories of Grammar experiences were vivid, and they so appreciated their school days, that they wanted to gift the School with something particular and lasting. The Speech Day tablecloth was the perfect blend of the formal and the personal; of school spirit and tradition; of memories and pride.

2002 Speech Day in the City Hall with the gifted tablecloth on display.

The tablecloth has been used at each Speech Day ever since, draped elegantly over the prize table. Mrs Kristine Cooke who, for over twenty years presided over the distribution of the prizes, as well as setting up the table laden with glinting cups and goblets, certificates, book vouchers, and one special gold medal, speaks of the care taken in the positioning of this tablecloth stating, “that once the cloth is correctly positioned, centred and perfectly symmetrical, I know the placement of all the prizes will be easy from there.”