OUSTANDING achievement by Midhurst Rother College students was celebrated at its annual Gilbert Hannam Day prize giving.

The day marks the continuity of education in Midhurst, of which Gilbert Hannam was an integral part, and comprises a traditional church service at St Mary Magdalene and St Denys, Midhurst for year 11 and 13 students, with the awards ceremony conducted in the evening.

In 1672, Gilbert Hannam set up a free school for 12 poor Protestant boys in a classroom in the loft of the Market House.

Later, the school was moved to Gilbert Hannam’s old house in North Street.

In his will, he asked that each year, on the anniversary of his death, a service be held in the parish church at which his scholars would pray for his soul.

During the service a man in orders would preach a sermon, the fee for which was to be 20 shillings and a pair of gloves to the value of two shillings and sixpence.

This special church service continues the tradition of prayers for the soul of Gilbert Hannam, the sermon and the gift of gloves. This year current head girl, Gracie Spooner, presented the traditional gift of a pair of leather gloves to the Rev David Willis.

The congregation enjoyed a rendition of Largo from the New World Symphony by Dvorak, performed by MRC orchestra and music composed and played by year 11 student Mia Nicholls. In the evening students and their families attended prizegiving in the College Theatre.

Awards were presented by Charles Boher, Boher Architecture director. Students and alumni also received endowments from the trustees of the Gilbert Hannam Education Foundation.

MRC principal Stuart Edwards said: “Students, staff and governors would like to thank the Gilbert Hannam Education Foundation for their continued support and particularly for their sponsorship of Gilbert Hannam Day.

“We would also like to express our appreciation to the Rev David Willis and all the staff and volunteers at St Mary Magdalene and St Denys, Midhurst.”