2006 Leavers' Ball
The Leavers’ Ball marks the end of a girl’s school career; it involves immense preparation from both the ball committee and individuals attending. From the beginning of the year SFC2 are all constantly aware of this grande finale and throughout the year discussion involves guessing the theme and planning dresses. The Cheltenham Ladies’ College Leavers’ Ball 2006 was to be a Venetian masked ball.
On the 8th July the day finally came. After Speech Day the excitement began: girls filled Cheltenham hair salons and did final shopping for glamorous make up. Partners were arriving with parents, at the train station or trying to drive themselves to Cheltenham. However, believing we’d have ample time to get ready was foolish and 7:30 was dawning. Pre-ball drinks were a necessity to calm one’s nerves and discuss how beautiful everyone looked.
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Arriving at Coll was breathtaking, especially coming into the main entrance and the sixth form corridor. Suddenly this journey felt foreign: this was no longer our school. Entering the GCR we were greeted by Mrs Tuck and behind her we could see the Venetian market with an Italian café filling up the area where we usually had break. Next came a casino with palm trees in the distance. Directed to the champagne reception I was overwhelmed by how wonderful everyone looked, oozing with the confidence our time at College
had taught us. Moving into the marquee we were further amazed looking at the starlit ceiling and the wonderfully decorated tables. Searching for your table you bumped into more people to photograph and more people to compliment. Finally we were able to sit down with friends for the delicious meal; there was even a chocolate fountain. During the dinner we were all entertained by a brilliant magician. The staff band, Day Job, were playing in the PH and this meant catching teachers and parents for a dance – a must at a Leavers’ Ball! An interval was filled with the breathtaking firework display with its flaming CLC 2006. For some this was the moment when it dawned on them that they were leaving.
The ball couldn’t last forever and the time came to move on. Sentimental words and hugs were exchanged at the end of what had been a Cinderella evening.
Olivia Fisher (2001-2006 Sidney/Cambray)
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