Shrove Tuesday: Through the Archives

The gathering of Old Chigwellians for Shrove Tuesday Supper has been a tradition at Chigwell School since 1868 or earlier. The Supper originated from a desire for the School and its alumni to stay connected, and was one of the many innovations of Reverend Henry Mowld Robinson (Head 1868-76), who also oversaw the introduction of Speech Day and the School Motto.

Headmaster Henry Mowld Robinson (Left, Centre) & Headmaster Richard Dawson Swallow (Right)

Robinson’s growth of the School involved continual engagement with alumni, a direction which Canon Richard Dawson Swallow (Head 1876-1912) continued by giving a Shrove Tuesday Supper every year (on the anniversary of his appointment). The Old Chigwellian Club was also established during Swallow's tenure, in 1909-10.

Editions of The Chigwellian magazine provide insights into the programme, speeches, and dynamic of each year's Shrove Tuesday Supper. It was not only an important event for re-connecting socially, but also for giving information, discussing ideas, giving thanks, and supporting the School.

The popularity of the event is very palpable in these records. In February 1913, for example, Headmaster Walde observed the international reach of the alumni community in his speech:

"He was very glad to welcome on the present occasion two Chigwellians from opposite quarters of the globe: Mr. Griffith Colpoys from Assam [India], and Mr. Chaloner, who had been with them in the afternoon and who had lately come over from Winnipeg [Canada]".

The newly-formed Old Chigwellian Club (founded 1910) was an important backdrop to the Shrove Tuesday Suppers in this period, as was the establishment of an informal Old Chigwellian football side. On the same evening in 1913, a 'Mr Simkins' mentioned that:

"He had watched with great interest the establishment and growth of the O.C. Club, and was gratified to see what success had attended it".

It was also at this moment that the seeds for what would eventually become The OC Mitre were sown. A 'Mr Siffken' reported that the 'O.C. Club was flourishing', and that:

"[The O.C. Club] had lately founded an Information Bureau to keep O.C.’s informed of the doings of their former schoolfellows, and supply items of news to the School Magazine".

Shrove Tuesday Supper (1963)

The Shrove Tuesday Supper continued as a significant moment for Old Chigwellians and the School to meet. A report on the 1950 Shrove Tuesday Supper records what 'A. H. Paine' (OC 1910-22) said on behalf of the Old Chigwellians: 

"[He] expressed appreciation for the hospitality given them that evening. He referred to the spirit of friendliness which was so manifest among all on these occasions” .

The evening of the annual Shrove Tuesday Supper has traditionally featured a Chapel Service, speeches, and a formal dinner — just as it does today.