Thanks to the work of our Archives Department, curated by our brilliant colleague, Mrs Rachel Roberts, we have access to all sorts of documents and artefacts that contribute to our sense of heritage and history at CLC. When students join us in LC1 (Year 7), we introduce them to this through lessons and visits to the Archives Department. They are always fascinated by the uniforms, trunks and other items that give us a sense of what it was like to be at CLC in days gone by and it is brilliant to be able to share this with them.
Recently, some LC1 pupils literally jumped for joy when they were invited to dress up in the uniform we have in Archives – I suggested the College community would thoroughly enjoy seeing the former uniforms paraded in Prayers – and these LC1s agreed very enthusiastically!
In Prayers last week, while I introduced our presentation to College, they huddled excitedly in the wings of the Princess Hall stage ready to stride onto the stage. The Lower College Prefect, Eloise, and a Sixth Form History Rep, Matilda (both SFC2 / Year 13), were also on hand to present and help organise the pupils and to ensure everything went smoothly.
I explained that when CLC was first established, students did not wear uniforms and that was the cue for the fabulous fashion parade! We commenced with the first real uniform, which was called ‘regulation dress’ introduced by the Principal Miss Faithfull in 1912. Thereafter, we saw various examples of uniform and sports attire, including the original regulation bathing costume which was introduced when College built its first swimming pool in 1911. Made of woven black alpaca wool, it was very difficult to swim in!
In 1937, the very stylish Miss Margaret Popham took over as Principal and green became the uniform colour for CLC rather than navy. It was marvellous to see the Sunday best suit from this period, which students wore to church throughout the 1940s and 1950s complete with hat and gloves. The last garment modelled was the dark green wool cloak, with a green tweed skirt and cardigan underneath that was worn in the 1980s.
As you can imagine, the students received a very warm response from the rest of the school as they took us back in time, and I am certain this wonderful experience will linger in their memories amongst many other happy ones to be enjoyed during their time at CLC!
Ms Woodhead, Head of Lower College and Wellbeing Co-ordinator
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